title: Cdk5: a new player at synapses.
abstract: Cdk5 is a member of the cyclin-dependent kinase family. Unlike other conventional Cdks that are major regulators of eukaryotic cell cycle progression, Cdk5 displays diverse functions in neuronal as well as non-neuronal tissues. In particular, accumulating evidence points to the roles of this kinase in CNS development and other cellular processes. In this article, we summarize the functional roles of Cdk5 pertaining to the formation and functions of synapse, a specialized structure for the fundamental functions of neurons.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Neuroscience Center and Biotechnology Research Institute, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong/SAR, PR China.
authors.forename: Kai
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Cheng
authors.forename: Nancy Y
authors.initials: NY
authors.lastname: Ip
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000201:enzymology / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology; D051360:Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 5; D018844:Cyclin-Dependent Kinases / Q000502:physiology*; D004705:Endocytosis / Q000502:physiology; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D009469:Neuromuscular Junction / Q000201:enzymology / Q000502:physiology; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000378:metabolism; D017981:Receptors, Neurotransmitter / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology; D013569:Synapses / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D017981:Receptors, Neurotransmitter; C089495:neuronal Cdk5 activator (p25-p35); D051360:Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 5; D018844:Cyclin-Dependent Kinases