Cyclin-dependent kinase 1, Cyclin-dependent kinase 2, Cyclin-dependent kinase 5, Cyclin-dependent kinase 7, Cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK1, CDK2, CDK5, CDK7, CDK9)

Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are a conserved family of serine/threonine kinases that regulate key cellular processes including cell cycle progression, transcription, and neuronal development. CDK1 and CDK2 centrally control cell cycle transitions through their activation by specific cyclins, with CDK1 pivotal for mitosis and CDK2 critical for DNA synthesis and S phase entry. CDK5, unique among family members, is crucial for neuronal development and synaptic function, operating largely in post-mitotic cells. CDK7 functions as both a CDK-activating kinase (CAK) and a key regulator of transcription initiation via its role in the general transcription factor TFIIH complex. CDK9 is principally involved in transcriptional elongation as part of the positive transcription elongation factor b (P-TEFb). Dysregulation or mutation of these kinases contributes to a wide array of diseases, including most human cancers, neurodegenerative disorders, inflammation, and some metabolic diseases. As such, they are major therapeutic targets, and a range of small-molecule inhibitors has been developed for clinical and pre-clinical use.

Other names

CDC2cell division control protein 2 homologCDKN2cyclin-dependent kinase 2CDK5MO15cyclin-dependent kinase 7PITALREcyclin-dependent kinase 9

ATP-competitive inhibition of kinase activity; Prevention of cyclin-CDK complex formation; Inhibition of substrate phosphorylation (halting cell cycle progression, blocking transcription, inducing apoptosis, etc.)