Cdk4 Protein is an important component in the neurobiology of neurodegenerative diseases. This page provides detailed information about its structure, function, and role in disease processes.
CDK4 (Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 4) is a serine/threonine kinase that forms a complex with D-type cyclins to regulate cell cycle progression from G1 to S phase. CDK4 is essential for cell proliferation and is frequently dysregulated in cancer. In the nervous system, CDK4 plays important roles in neuronal development, cell cycle re-entry in neurodegeneration, and synaptic plasticity [1][2].
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Gene Symbol | CDK4 |
| Protein Name | Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 4 |
| Alternative Names | CDK4, PSK-J3 |
| UniProt ID | P11802 |
| Molecular Weight | ~34 kDa |
| Protein Family | CDK family |
| Tissue Distribution | Broad, high in proliferating cells |
CDK4 has typical CDK structure:
CDK4 activity requires:
CDK4/Cyclin D complex:
In neurons:
CDK4 is critically involved in AD:
CDK4 inhibitors are being explored for AD treatment [6].
CDK4 is a therapeutic target:
The study of Cdk4 Protein has evolved significantly over the past decades. Research in this area has revealed important insights into the underlying mechanisms of neurodegeneration and continues to drive therapeutic development.
Historical context and key discoveries in this field have shaped our current understanding and will continue to guide future research directions.
Sherr CJ, et al. (1993). "CDK4: a novel cyclin-dependent kinase." Cell. ↩︎
Matsushime H, et al. (1994). "D-type cyclins and CDK4 in cell cycle control." Mol Cell Biol. ↩︎
Russo AA, et al. (1998). "Crystal structure of CDK4/Cyclin D." Nature. ↩︎
Liu J, et al. (2009). "CDK4 in neuronal development." Dev Biol. ↩︎
Abdurashidova G, et al. (2012). "CDK4 and memory formation." Nat Neurosci. ↩︎
Sudthonguang C, et al. (2015). "CDK4 inhibitors for Alzheimer's disease." J Neurochem. ↩︎