Overview:

CDK1 or Cell Division Control protein 1 is essential for the completion of START, the controlling event in the cell cycle that is required to initiate mitosis. CDK1 is a catalytic subunit of a protein kinase complex, called the M-Phase Promoting Factor that induces entry into mitosis and is universal among eukaryotes (1). Phosphorylation of Bcl-2 in G2/M phase-arrested cells following photodynamic therapy with hypericin involves a CDK1-mediated signal and delays the onset of apoptosis. Therapeutic potential of CDK inhibitor NU2058 in androgen-independent prostate cancer has also been demonstrated (2)

References:

1. Vantieghem, A. et al: Phosphorylation of Bcl-2 in G2/M phase-arrested cells following photodynamic therapy with hypericin involves a CDK1-mediated signal and delays the onset of apoptosis. J. Biol. Chem. 2002; 277(40):37718-31. 

2. Rigas, A.C. et al: Therapeutic potential of CDK inhibitor NU2058 in androgen-independent prostate cancer. Oncogene. 2007; 18.