CDK1 (Cyclin-dependent kinase 1)

CDK1, or Cyclin-dependent kinase 1, is an essential enzyme that helps regulate the cell cycle—the process by which cells grow and divide. It becomes active when paired with a protein called cyclin, and together they work to push the cell through key stages of division. CDK1 ensures that cell division occurs accurately and at the right time, maintaining healthy growth and tissue function. If CDK1 doesn’t function properly, it can lead to cell division errors, potentially contributing to diseases like cancer.