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Abstract:
Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) plays an essential role in the
development of the central nervous system during mammalian
embryogenesis. In the adult, CDK5 is required for the maintenance of
neuronal architecture. Its deregulation has profound cytotoxic effects
and has been implicated in the development of neurodegenerative diseases
such as Alzheimer's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In this
review, we concentrate on the regulation of CDK5 activity, privileging a
structural perspective based on a decade of structural analyses of
different members of the CDK family, including CDK2 and CDK5. We review
the activation mechanism of CDK5 and discuss its differences and
similarities with that of CDK2 and of the other members of the CDK
family. Copyright (C) 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel.
