Overview:

Cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (Cdk9) is a cdc2-like serine/threonine kinase that associates with cyclin T1 to form a heterodimer. CDK9/Cyclin T1 heterodimer is the main component of the positive transcription elongation factor (P-TEFb) which is critical for the stabilization of the elongation process of RNA polymerase II generated transcripts (1). P-TEFb containing Cdk9 and cyclin T1 is essential for the replication of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 and type 2 in human cells (2). Cdk9- associated pathway are linked to human malignancies and cardiac hypertrophy (3).

Gene Aliases:

CDK9: CDC2L4, C-2k, TAK, PITALRE CyclinT1: CCNT; CYCT1; HIVE1

Genbank Number:

NM_001261
NM_001240

References:

1. Gaetano, R. et. al: Role of the cyclin-dependent kinase 9-related pathway in mammalian gene expression and human diseases. Cell Cycle. 7:23, 3664-3668, 2008.

2. Lin, X. et. al: P-TEFb containing cyclin K and Cdk9 can activate transcription via RNA. J Biol Chem. 277:16873-8, 2002.

3. Malumbres, M. et. al: CDK inhibitors in cancer therapy: what is next? Trends Pharmacol Sci. 29:16-21, 2008.