NCIt definition : An agent targeting cell cycle checkpoint kinase 1 (Chk1) with potential radiosensitization
and chemosensitization activities. Chk1 inhibitor MK-8776 specifically binds to and
inhibits Chk1, which may result in tumor cells bypassing Chk1-dependent cell cycle
arrest in the S and G2/M phases to undergo DNA repair prior to entry into mitosis;
tumor cells may thus be sensitized to the DNA-damaging effects of ionizing radiation
and alkylating chemotherapeutic agents. Chk1 is an ATP-dependent serine-threonine
kinase that in response to DNA damage phosphorylates cdc25 phosphatases, resulting
in inhibitory tyrosine phosphorylation of CDK-cyclin complexes and cell cycle arrest.;