A model for CDK2 in maintaining genomic stability.

Abundant CDK2/cyclin A activity is present in human cancer cells, suggesting that rapid S phase CDK2 inhibition would be an effective anti-cancer approach. The dynamic change of chromatin-loading and - dissociation of MCM proteins requires S phase CDK2 activity. CDK2 inhibition during replication leads to increased MCM complex association with DNA and triggers rereplication. Overreplication-induced DSB and RPA-ssDNA intermediates activate ATM and ATR, resulting in a p53 response which selectively deletes cells with unresolved rereplication.