Overview:

CDK5 is a member of the Cyclin-Dependent Kinase family that is most abundant in the mammalian brain. Active form of CDK5, which has also been called neuronal cdc2-like kinase, is a heterodimer of CDK5 and a 25 kDa protein which is derived proteolytically from a 35 kDa brain and neuron-specific protein and is essential for the kinase activity of CDK5 (1). CDK5 has emerged as a crucial regulator of neuronal migration in the developing central nervous system. CDK5 phosphorylates a diverse list of substrates, implicating it in the regulation of a range of cellular processes - from adhesion and motility, to synaptic plasticity and drug addiction (2).

Gene Aliases:

CDK5: PSSALRE p35: CDK5R1; CDK5P35, CDK5R, NCK5A, p35, p35nck5a

Genbank Number:

NM_004935
NM_003885

References:

1. Tang, D. et al: Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) and neuron-specific Cdk5 activators. Prog Cell Cycle Res. 1996;2:205-16.

2. Dhavan, R. et al: A decade of CDK5. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol. 2001 Oct;2(10):749-59.