Interactive Cell Cycle Control: G1/S Checkpoint Pathway
Cell cycle arrest provides time crucial for repair of DNA damage, preserving genomic integrity. Growth arrest activates through checkpoint pathways that delay cell cycle progression. The balance between cell differentiation and proliferation is regulated transcriptionally; in the cell cycle the G1 to S-phase transition is the primary control point. Only prior to this can cells be directed to differentiation, otherwise they progress to the proliferative cycle autonomously.