Enzymes
Product List
CDKN1B Human
Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor 1B Human Recombinant
CDKN2C Human
Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor 2C Human Recombinant
CDKN3 Human
Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor 3 Human Recombinant
CINP Human
Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 2 Interacting Protein Human Recombinant
CDK2 Human
Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 2 Human Recombinant
CDK2 Human, Sf9
Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 2 Human Recombinant, Sf9
CDK2AP1 Human
Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 2 Associated Protein 1 Human Recombinant
CDK2AP2 Human
Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 2 Associated Protein 2 Human Recombinant
Introduction
Cyclin-Dependent Kinases (CDKs) are a family of protein kinases that play crucial roles in regulating the cell cycle. They are named for their dependency on cyclins, a group of proteins that bind to CDKs, activating them at specific points in the cell cycle. CDKs are classified based on their functions and the cyclins they interact with. The main classes include:
- Cell Cycle CDKs: These include CDK1, CDK2, CDK4, and CDK6, which are primarily involved in cell cycle regulation.
- Transcriptional CDKs: These include CDK7, CDK8, CDK9, CDK12, and CDK13, which are involved in regulating transcription.
Key Biological Properties: CDKs are serine/threonine kinases that phosphorylate target proteins, leading to changes in their activity. They are highly conserved across eukaryotic species.
Expression Patterns: CDKs are ubiquitously expressed in proliferating cells. Their expression levels can vary depending on the cell type and the phase of the cell cycle.
Tissue Distribution: CDKs are found in various tissues, with higher expression in tissues with high proliferative capacity, such as the bone marrow, skin, and gastrointestinal tract.
Primary Biological Functions: CDKs regulate the progression of the cell cycle by phosphorylating key substrates involved in DNA replication, mitosis, and cell division. They ensure that the cell cycle progresses in an orderly and timely manner.
Role in Immune Responses: CDKs are involved in the proliferation of immune cells, such as T and B lymphocytes, during immune responses.
Pathogen Recognition: CDKs can influence the immune system’s ability to recognize and respond to pathogens by regulating the proliferation and differentiation of immune cells.
Mechanisms with Other Molecules and Cells: CDKs interact with cyclins to form active complexes. These complexes phosphorylate target proteins, leading to changes in their activity and function.
Binding Partners: CDKs bind to specific cyclins, which determine their substrate specificity and activity. For example, CDK1 binds to cyclin B to regulate mitosis, while CDK2 binds to cyclin E to regulate the G1/S transition.
Downstream Signaling Cascades: CDKs activate downstream signaling pathways that control various cellular processes, such as DNA replication, mitosis, and cell division.
Regulatory Mechanisms: CDK activity is tightly regulated by various mechanisms to ensure proper cell cycle progression.
Transcriptional Regulation: The expression of CDKs and cyclins is regulated at the transcriptional level by various transcription factors and signaling pathways.
Post-Translational Modifications: CDKs are regulated by post-translational modifications, such as phosphorylation and ubiquitination, which can activate or inhibit their activity.
Biomedical Research: CDKs are studied extensively in biomedical research to understand their roles in cell cycle regulation and their implications in diseases such as cancer.
Diagnostic Tools: CDK activity and expression levels can serve as biomarkers for certain cancers and other proliferative disorders.
Therapeutic Strategies: CDK inhibitors are being developed as potential therapeutic agents for treating cancers and other diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell proliferation.
Role Throughout the Life Cycle: CDKs play essential roles throughout the life cycle, from development to aging and disease.
Development: CDKs are crucial for the proper development of tissues and organs by regulating cell proliferation and differentiation.
Aging: CDK activity can decline with age, leading to reduced cell proliferation and tissue regeneration.
Disease: Dysregulation of CDK activity is associated with various diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and cardiovascular diseases.
