CDK4

CDK4, cell cycle protein-dependent kinase 4, alias P15INK4B binding chaperone, P16INK4A binding chaperone, CDKN2A/p16INK4a interactions chaperone and so on. It is a serine/threonine kinase encoded by the CDK4 gene and belongs to the family of cell cycle regulatory proteins.CDK4 plays a key role in the transition from the G1 phase to the S phase of the cell cycle, and mainly phosphorylates the retinoblastoma protein (Rb) by forming a complex with cyclin D, which promotes the dephosphorylation of the Rb protein and releases the E2F family transcription factors to promote cell cycle progression.

CDK4 has a wide range of biological significance and is involved in the regulation of important biological processes such as the cell cycle, cell proliferation, differentiation, and senescence.The activity of CDK4 is finely regulated by a variety of factors, including synthesis and degradation of cyclins and the inhibitory effects of CDK inhibitory factors (CKIs).Abnormalities in the function of CDK4 have been associated with a wide range of diseases, and are particularly closely related to tumor development. For example, overexpression of CDK4 or loss of Rb protein function has been observed in a variety of tumors, leading to uncontrolled cell cycle and unrestricted proliferation of tumor cells. Thus, CDK4 is a potential target in tumor therapy, and small molecule inhibitors against CDK4 are being developed for the treatment of certain types of cancer.