Cyclin D2 (CCND2)

Cyclin D2 is a cell cycle regulatory protein encoded by the CCND2 gene. It belongs to the D-type cyclin family, characterized by periodic expression through the cell cycle and regulation of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs). Cyclin D2 forms complexes with CDK4 or CDK6, functioning as a regulatory subunit to control cell cycle progression from the G1 phase to the S phase, largely through phosphorylation and inhibition of the retinoblastoma (Rb) protein. This process is essential for both normal cellular proliferation and organ development, such as in the brain and heart. Dysregulation or mutations of Cyclin D2 are implicated in several diseases, notably certain cancers and developmental syndromes including megalencephaly-polymicrogyly-polydactyly-hydrocephalus syndrome. Cyclin D2 also interacts with key cardiogenic transcription factors like GATA4 and is involved in both pathological and physiological cardiac hypertrophy. While there are currently no direct drugs specifically approved to target Cyclin D2, its essential role in cell cycle regulation makes the CDK4/6 complex—which requires Cyclin D2—a major point of therapeutic intervention in oncology[1][3][4][5][6][7].

Other names

G1/S-specific cyclin-D2MPPH3KIAK0002

Inhibition of Cyclin D2-CDK4/6 complex to prevent phosphorylation of the retinoblastoma protein (Rb) and halt cell cycle progression at the G1/S transition