Cyclin-dependent kinases regulatory subunit 2 (CKS2)

Cyclin-dependent kinases regulatory subunit 2 (CKS2) is a protein that binds and regulates the activity of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), enzymes essential for cell cycle progression and division[4]. CKS2 is crucial for proper mitosis, specifically acting with CDK1-cyclin B to drive the G2/M transition and with CDK2 to modulate DNA replication under stress[1]. In cancer, CKS2 is often overexpressed, acts as an oncogene, and promotes cell proliferation, migration, and resistance to apoptosis[1]. Its dysregulation is associated with tumor progression and poor prognosis, making CKS2 a promising biomarker and a potential target for cancer molecular diagnostics and therapeutics[1][4].

Other names

CDC28 protein kinase regulatory subunit 2CKS2CKS-2CKSHS2CKS1 (S. cerevisiae Cdc28/Cdc2 kinase subunit) homolog-2Cyclin-dependent kinases regulatory subunit 2 (note: multiple minor spelling/capitalization variants are found in the literature)CDC28 protein kinase 2

CKS2 is not currently the primary molecular target of approved drugs; its mechanism is to regulate activity of cyclin-dependent kinases—drugs affecting CDKs may indirectly affect pathways involving CKS2