Checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1)

Checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1) is an important protein in our cells that helps control the cell cycle, which is the process cells go through to grow and divide. When DNA is damaged or there are other problems, CHK1 acts as a checkpoint, signaling the cell to pause and repair the damage before continuing to divide. This function helps prevent the development of cancer, as it ensures that cells only replicate when they are healthy. Scientists study CHK1 to understand its role in cancer and to develop new treatments that can target this protein.