Cyclin D1 overexpression is found in more than 50% of human breast
cancers and causes
mammary cancer in transgenic mice. Dysregulation of cyclin D1 gene expression or function contributes to the loss of normal cell cycle control during
tumorigenesis. Recent studies have demonstrated that
cyclin D1 conducts additional specific functions to regulate gene expression in the context of local
chromatin, promote cellular migration, and promote
chromosomal instability. It is anticipated that these additional functions contribute to the pathology associated with dysregulated
cyclin D1 abundance. This article discusses evidence that examines the functional roles that
cyclin D1 may play in
cancer with an emphasis on other
cyclin family members that also may contribute to
cancer and disease in a similar fashion.