Function
Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) or Cell division protein kinase are serine/threonine kinases which are important to the regulation of the cell cycle. CDKs are small proteins which contain just a kinase domain. In order to function, CDK binds the regulatory protein cyclin. CDKs phosphorylate their substrates at a consensus tetrapeptide. The CDK classes differ by the binding cyclin and their function in human.[1]
• CDK1 binds cyclin and forms a complex which phosphorylates a variety of substrates which are involved in cell cycle progression.
• CDK2 is involved in the control of the cell cycle. It interacts with the regulatory protein cyclin A2. Phosphorylation at Thr14 or Tyr15 inactivates it; phosphorylation at Thr160 (T160P) – activates it. See also Intrinsically Disordered Protein.
•CDK3 binds cyclin C and functions during the G1 phase.
•For details on CDK4 see Cyclin Dependent Kinase-4.
- CDK5 binds p53 and functions during transcription.
•CDK6 binds cyclin D and functions during the G1 phase.
- CDK7 may serve as a direct link between transcription regulation and the cell cycle.
•CDK8 binds cyclin C and functions during transcription.
•CDK12 phosphorylates the C-terminal domain of the large subunit of RNA polymerase II. Acts as a regulator of transcription elongation.
•CDK13 is required for RNA splicing.
•CDK16 plays a role in vesicle-mediated transport processes and exocytosis.
See also Proteins involved in cancer.
Relevance
CDK is a potential target for anti-cancer therapy.
Structural highlights
The kinase is located in a . near the binding site is required for kinase activity.[2]
3D structures of cyclin-dependent kinase
Cyclin-dependent kinase 3D structures
