Cyclin-dependent kinase 11 (CDK11)

Cyclin-dependent kinase 11 is a multifunctional serine/threonine kinase that coordinates major cellular processes such as gene transcription, pre-mRNA splicing, cell cycle progression, mitosis, and apoptosis. It achieves these functions primarily through association with cyclins L1/L2 and SAP30BP, facilitating phosphorylation of RNA polymerase II and core spliceosome components. CDK11 is expressed in multiple isoforms, with distinct roles depending on cellular context and regulatory cues. Dysregulation and overexpression of CDK11 are common in various cancers, making it an emerging and promising therapeutic target. Pharmacological inhibition disrupts crucial pathways in tumor cells, but clinical application is challenged by toxicity related to its essential function in normal cells. CDK11 also contributes to neurodegenerative and viral diseases by regulating tau phosphorylation and HIV-1 replication, respectively.

Other names

CDC2-like kinase 11CDC2LCDK11^p110^CDK11^p58^CDK11^p46^Cyclin-dependent kinase 11ACDK11ACyclin-dependent kinase 11BCDK11B

Inhibition of CDK11 kinase activity, leading to blockade of transcription, splicing, and cell cycle progression. Preferential killing of cancer cells with splicing factor mutations due to splicing inhibition. Induction of apoptosis in tumor cells by disrupting CDK11-mediated transcription and mitosis.