Cyclin-dependent kinase 10 (CDK10)

Cyclin-dependent kinase 10 (CDK10) is a serine/threonine protein kinase belonging to the CDK/cyclin-dependent kinase family, specifically most closely related to CDK11[1][2][3]. It forms an active kinase complex with cyclin M (also known as cyclin Q or Fam58a), phosphorylating substrates such as ETS2 and PKN2[1][4][5]. CDK10 regulates cell cycle processes—particularly the G2/M transition—transcription, and neural development, and serves as a tumor suppressor in some contexts[1][2][3][4][5]. Its kinase activity is involved in controlling the degradation of the transcription factor ETS2, thereby modulating MAPK signaling and influencing resistance to endocrine therapies like tamoxifen in breast cancer[4][5]. Loss or reduction of CDK10 expression has been linked to increased tumor proliferation, metastasis, and therapy resistance in various cancer types[4][5]. Additionally, mutations in the activating partner gene FAM58A, which encodes cyclin M, lead to STAR syndrome, a developmental disorder characterized by limb, facial, and urogenital anomalies[4]. No highly selective small-molecule drugs target CDK10; inhibitors designed for other CDKs show only weak inhibitory activity against the CDK10/cyclin M complex[2]. Reduced CDK10 expression may serve as a biomarker of aggressive disease or drug resistance in cancer[5]. As the molecule may act as a tumor suppressor, therapeutically targeting CDK10 requires careful assessment to avoid adverse effects such as paradoxical promotion of tumorigenesis or developmental disruption[1][4].

Other names

PISSLRECell division protein kinase 10Serine/threonine-protein kinase PISSLREALSASCDC2-related protein kinasecyclin-dependent kinase (CDC2-like) 10cyclin-dependent kinase related proteinCDK10Cdk10

Inhibition of kinase activity, Modulation of MAPK signaling via ETS2 phosphorylation and degradation, Alteration of transcription factor activity