Work

A kinase of many talents: non-neuronal functions of CDK5 in development and disease

Year: 2020

Type: review

Abstract: The cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) represents an unusual member of the family of cyclin-dependent kinases, which is activated upon binding to non-cyclin p35 and p39 proteins. The role of CDK5 in the nervous system has been very well established. In addition, there is growing evidence that CDK5 is also active in non-neuronal tissues, where it has been postulated to affect a variety of functions such as the immune response, angiogenesis, myogenesis, melanogenesis and regulation of insulin levels. Moreover, high levels of CDK5 have been observed in different tumour types, and CDK5 was proposed to play various roles in the tumorigenic process. In this review, we discuss these various CDK5 functions in normal physiology and disease, and highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting CDK5.

Source: Open Biology

DOI: 10.1098/rsob.190287

Authors: Samanta Sharma, Piotr Sicinski

Institutions: Harvard University, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Language: English

Topic: Cancer-related Molecular Pathways

Subfield: Oncology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,839