- As the name suggests, these kinases are dependent on their regulatory subunit “Cyclins” to function as a kinase.
- Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are serine/threonine kinases. Originally, they were discovered as a major driving force of cell cycle progression through various cell cycle stages.
- Their regulatory subunit cyclins are periodically expressed during cell cycles and normally have short half-life.
- Activation of CDKs is also controlled by phosphorylation/dephosphorylation events.
- Once active, CDKs phosphorylate their substrate and regulate cell cycle progression. Their dysregulation is reported in several cancers.
- In humans, 20 CDKs and ≈30 cyclins are reported.
