Cyclin T2 (CCNT2)

Cyclin T2 (CCNT2) is a regulatory protein encoded by the CCNT2 gene, part of the cyclin family characterized by cell cycle-dependent variation in abundance. It forms a core component of the CDK9/cyclin T complex (also known as positive transcription elongation factor b, P-TEFb), essential for phosphorylation of the RNA polymerase II C-terminal domain and thus for transcriptional elongation of many genes. Cyclin T2 plays roles in muscle differentiation, early viral transcription events (HIV, herpes simplex virus), and interacts with key cell cycle regulators like the Retinoblastoma protein. Multiple isoforms exist due to alternative splicing. Cyclin T2 is considered a target primarily in the context of viral transcription (HIV-1, herpesvirus) and is being explored for therapeutic disruption of these processes. Broader disease association is limited based on current sources.

Other names

Cyclin-T2CCNT2CycT2CYCT2cyclin-T2Cyclin T2aCyclin T2bCYCT2aCYCT2bsubunit of positive elongation transcription factor bP-TEFbSDS-stable vimentin-bound DNA fragment HEF42VIM22

Inhibition of P-TEFb (CDK9/cyclin T2 complex) disrupts phosphorylation of RNA polymerase II, blocking transcriptional elongation—this mechanism is closely studied in HIV research. Modulation of MYOD1-dependent transcription via interaction with PKN1, affecting muscle gene expression.