Cyclin-dependent kinase 13 (CDK13)

Cyclin-dependent kinase 13 (CDK13) is a member of the cyclin-dependent serine/threonine protein kinase family that plays a key role in regulating gene transcription by phosphorylating the C-terminal domain of RNA polymerase II, which is critical for transcription elongation and mRNA splicing. Unlike cell cycle CDKs, CDK13 primarily functions in the control of gene expression and is required for proper RNA processing. CDK13 is ubiquitously expressed across tissues and, when mutated, causes CDK13-related disorder, a rare congenital syndrome featuring developmental delay, congenital heart disease, and dysmorphic features. CDK13 is being studied as a therapeutic target in cancer, where its inhibition (often alongside CDK12) may impair tumor growth by deregulating transcriptional programs important for cell survival. No approved drugs target CDK13 yet, but several small molecules (e.g., THZ531, YJZ5118) are used in preclinical research, mainly as dual CDK12/13 inhibitors. CDK13 and its activity are therefore of clinical interest both for rare genetic diseases and as an anticancer target, but its fundamental role in gene expression raises concerns about safety and selectivity.

Other names

CDC2LCDC2L5CHEDhCDK13cell division cycle 2-like 5CDC2-related protein kinase 5cell division protein kinase 13

Inhibition of serine/threonine kinase activity Blocking RNA polymerase II phosphorylation and transcriptional elongation