| Full Name | Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 6 |
|---|---|
| Chromosomal Location | 7q21.2 |
| NCBI Gene ID | [1029](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/1029) |
| OMIM | [603368](https://www.omim.org/entry/603368) |
| Ensembl ID | ENSG00000105810 |
| UniProt | [Q00534](https://www.uniprot.org/uniprot/Q00534) |
| Associated Diseases | Cancers, [Alzheimer's Disease](/diseases/alzheimers-disease), [Parkinson's Disease](/diseases/parkinsons-disease), Glioma |
CDK6 (Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 6) encodes a serine/threonine kinase that partners with D-type cyclins (CCND1, CCND2, CCND3) to form active kinase complexes that drive cell cycle progression from G1 to S phase[1]. Beyond cell cycle regulation, CDK6 has important non-cyclin-dependent functions in neuronal differentiation, synaptic plasticity, and DNA damage response[2]. CDK6 is increasingly recognized for its roles in neurodegeneration and its potential as a therapeutic target.
The CDK6 gene encodes Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 6, a 326-amino acid serine/threonine kinase:
CDK6 is widely expressed in proliferating cells with highest expression in embryonic tissues and certain adult tissues including brain, bone marrow, and thymus. In the brain, CDK6 is expressed in neurons and glial cells. Expression is regulated by growth factors, cellular stress, and developmental signals. In neurodegenerative diseases, CDK6 expression is often upregulated in affected brain regions.
The study of Cdk6 Gene has evolved significantly over the past decades. Research in this area has revealed important insights into the underlying mechanisms of neurodegeneration and continues to drive therapeutic development.
Historical context and key discoveries in this field have shaped our current understanding and will continue to guide future research directions.
Sherr CJ, et al. CDK inhibitors: positive and negative regulators of G1-phase progression. Genes & Development. 1999. ↩︎
Malumbres M, Barbacid M. Cell cycle, CDKs and cancer: a changing paradigm. Nature Reviews Cancer. 2009. ↩︎
Lim S, Kaldis P. Cdks, cyclins and CKIs: roles beyond cell cycle regulation. Development. 2013. ↩︎