Cyclin-dependent kinase 1, Cyclin-dependent kinase 4

Cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) and cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) are members of the cyclin-dependent kinase family of serine/threonine protein kinases that are essential regulators of the cell cycle. CDK1, formerly known as Cdc2, is primarily responsible for progression from G2 phase to mitosis (M phase) by partnering with cyclin B and other regulatory molecules; its activation is tightly controlled by phosphorylation and dephosphorylation events and is required for mitotic entry. CDK4 is a regulator of the G1/S cell cycle transition, forming active kinase complexes with cyclin D to phosphorylate the retinoblastoma protein (Rb) and promote cell cycle progression; it is a key node in cell-cycle signaling often dysregulated in cancer. Both kinases are well-validated pharmacological targets, particularly in oncology. Grouping "Cyclin-dependent kinase 1, Cyclin-dependent kinase 4" together as a single molecular target is atypical; usually, drug discovery and clinical literature treat these as two separate targets or, in the case of some inhibitors, as part of a broad-spectrum pan-CDK strategy.

Other names

Cdc2cell division cycle 2 protein kinasecell division protein kinase 4

Competitive inhibition of ATP binding site (small molecule inhibitors that block kinase activity); Induction of cell cycle arrest (by preventing critical cell cycle transitions: G1/S for CDK4/6, G2/M for CDK1)