Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (with p35 regulatory subunit) (CDK5–p35)

The CDK5–p35 complex is a neuron-specific serine/threonine kinase complex in which the p35 regulatory subunit activates cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5). Unlike other cyclin-dependent kinases, CDK5 is not involved in cell cycle regulation but in neuronal migration, differentiation, axon guidance, and synaptic function. p35 is necessary for the activation of CDK5 in post-mitotic neurons, guiding its subcellular localization and enabling its function in the developing and mature brain. Disruption of the CDK5–p35 axis, such as the production of the aberrant activator p25 (truncated from p35), is implicated in neurodegenerative pathologies like Alzheimer's disease, due to the deregulation of kinase activity and subsequent hyperphosphorylation of neuronal substrates.

Other names

Cdk5-p35 complexCdk5/activator 1 complexCyclin-dependent kinase 5 with p35CDK5/CDK5R1 complex

Inhibition of CDK5 kinase activity (typically by blocking ATP-binding or by disrupting p35 binding). Modulation of p35 phosphorylation, processing, or destruction.