CDK9: A key player in cancer and other diseases

J Cell Biochem. 2018 Feb;119(2):1273-1284. doi: 10.1002/jcb.26293. Epub 2017 Oct 5.

Abstract

Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 9 (CDK9) is part of a functional diverse group of enzymes responsible for cell cycle control and progression. It associates mainly with Cyclin T1 and forms the Positive Transcription Elongation Factor b (p-TEFb) complex responsible for regulation of transcription elongation and mRNA maturation. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of CDK9 in many relevant pathologic processes, like cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and viral replication. Herein we provide an overview of the different pathways in which CDK9 is directly and indirectly involved.

Keywords: CDK9; cancer pathway; cyclin; drug targeting; kinase; transcription regulation; viral replication.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / genetics
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / metabolism*
  • Cyclin T / genetics
  • Cyclin T / metabolism
  • Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 9 / genetics
  • Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 9 / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Neoplasm Proteins / genetics
  • Neoplasm Proteins / metabolism*
  • Neoplasms / genetics
  • Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Positive Transcriptional Elongation Factor B / genetics
  • Positive Transcriptional Elongation Factor B / metabolism
  • Transcription Elongation, Genetic
  • Virus Diseases / genetics
  • Virus Diseases / metabolism*

Substances

  • CCNT1 protein, human
  • Cyclin T
  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • Positive Transcriptional Elongation Factor B
  • CDK9 protein, human
  • Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 9