Abstract
BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the world, it becomes imperative to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying practical therapeutic approaches. Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are critical regulators of cell cycle progression, and their dysregulation has been implicated in PCa. METHODS: This review synthesizes recent findings on CDK-mediated signaling pathways and their role in PCa progression. The overall goal of this review article is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which CDK molecules contribute to the development, progression, and metastasis of PCa. RESULTS: Elevated expression of CDK1, CDK3, CDK5, and CDK16 is associated with poorer outcomes, and specifically, high CDK3 expression correlates with shorter progression-free survival. CONCLUSIONS: Targeting CDKs, particularly CDK3 and CDK4/6, may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for PCa.