CDK46

CDK46 is a member of the cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) family. In humans, CDKs are serine/threonine kinases that control cell cycle progression and transcription in response to cyclin binding. CDK46 is predicted to encode a catalytic kinase domain with the hallmark motifs of CDKs and to be regulated by association with regulatory cyclins and by activating phosphorylation. Like other CDKs, CDK46 activity is dependent on complex formation with a cyclin partner, and its kinase activity is further modulated by CDK-activating kinases and phosphatases.

Function and regulation: The proposed function of CDK46 is to promote transitions through the cell cycle, potentially influencing G1/S or G2/M depending on the cyclin partner. It may participate in DNA damage response and transcriptional regulation via phosphorylation of substrates such as transcription factors and replication factors. In vitro studies show CDK46-containing complexes can phosphorylate known CDK substrates; in vivo analyses suggest cell-cycle–dependent expression patterns.

Clinical relevance: Altered CDK46 expression or activity has been observed in several cancer models, where overexpression or hyperactivation correlates with proliferation. Because CDKs are drug targets, CDK46 could be considered in the development of CDK inhibitors, though specific inhibitors and validated clinical data for CDK46 remain to be established.

Research status: As of now, CDK46 is a subject of ongoing research; its precise physiological roles and tissue distribution are under study in cell lines and model organisms.