The cell cycle: what it is, how it was and how it will be studied

Abstract

The cell cycle: what it is, how it has been studied and how it will be studied The cell cycle has a pivotal role in many aspects of cell's life. The metabolic state of the cell and its decision to proliferate or even to die, as well as physiological or pathological conditions, are some of the aspects deeply influenced by the cell cycle and that, in their turn, influence it. The molecular basis of this extremely complex process has been extensively studied, nevertheless a lot of information is still missing. Indeed, old widely applied techniques as thymidine analogues incorporation have been shown to be inadequate in many current experimental settings or if employed with new scientific methodologies. Conversely, new tools recently developed, as the FUCCI technology, are a great promise and will enable to deepen our comprehension of the cell cycle by allowing scientists to study it in vivo through live imaging. With this contribution, the basis of the cell cycle and of its regulation as well as old and new techniques to study it, will be revised.