Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 28, 2026

08:11
Characterization of Cell Membrane Extensions and Studying Their Roles in Cancer Cell Adhesion Dynamics
Published on: March 26, 2018
CDK5 regulates cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion in human keratinocytes
1Atopy (Allergy) Research Center, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan. nbnakano@med.juntendo.ac.jp
The British Journal of Dermatology
|July 21, 2005
Summary
Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) and its activator p35 play roles in skin cell adhesion. Reduced CDK5/p35 expression in psoriasis may contribute to the disease, impacting cell-matrix interactions.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Dermatology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) is a serine/threonine kinase activated by non-cyclin partners p35 and p39.
- CDK5 is crucial for neuronal development, influencing adhesion, migration, and differentiation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression and functions of CDK5 in human keratinocytes.
- To explore the role of CDK5/p35 in cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion in skin.
Main Methods:
- Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunoblotting were used to study CDK5/p35 expression and interactions.
- Aggregation/adhesion assays assessed roles in cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion.
- Immunohistochemistry examined CDK5/p35 localization in normal and psoriatic epidermis.
Main Results:
- CDK5 and p35 were expressed in keratinocytes and normal human epidermis.
- CDK5 inhibition affected cadherin-dependent cell aggregation and fibronectin adhesion via beta1 integrin.
- Psoriatic skin showed reduced CDK5/p35 expression and decreased activated beta1 integrin.
Conclusions:
- CDK5/p35 may regulate cadherins and integrins, influencing cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion in keratinocytes.
- Diminished CDK5/p35 expression in the epidermis might be implicated in psoriasis pathogenesis.
Related Concept Videos
Positive Regulator Molecules
To consistently produce healthy cells, the cell cycle—the process that generates daughter cells—must be precisely regulated.
Positive Regulator Molecules
Mitotic cell division results in daughter cells that exactly resemble the parent cell. However, errors in the DNA replication or distribution of genetic material may lead to genetic mutations that may be passed down to every new cell formed from the resulting abnormal cell. Propagation of such mutant cells is restricted through checkpoint mechanisms present at different stages of the cell cycle. These checkpoints involve regulator molecules that either promote or demote cell cycle events.
Inhibition of Cdk Activity
The orderly progression of the cell cycle depends on the activation of Cdk protein by binding to its cyclin partner. However, the cell cycle must be restricted when undergoing abnormal changes. Most cancers correlate to the deregulated cell cycle, and since Cdks are a central component of the cell cycle, Cdk inhibitors are extensively studied to develop anticancer agents. For instance, cyclin D associates with several Cdks, such as Cdk 4/6, to form an active complex. The cyclin D-Cdk4/6 complex...
M-Cdk Drives Transition Into Mitosis
Checkpoints throughout the cell cycle serve as safeguards and gatekeepers, allowing the cell cycle to progress in favorable conditions and slow or halt it in problematic ones. This regulation is known as the cell cycle control system.
Cyclin-dependent kinases, or Cdks, work in concert with cyclins to control cell cycle transitions. M-Cdk, a complex of Cdk1 bound to M cyclin, is a well-known example of this coordinated control that drives the transition from the G2 to the M phase.
M cyclin...
Cyclin-dependent kinases, or Cdks, work in concert with cyclins to control cell cycle transitions. M-Cdk, a complex of Cdk1 bound to M cyclin, is a well-known example of this coordinated control that drives the transition from the G2 to the M phase.
M cyclin...
Cadherins in Tissue Organization
The cadherins are a superfamily of cell adhesion molecules comprising over 180 variants, with specific tissues expressing a particular combination of cadherin types. Cadherins generally exhibit homophilic binding; i.e., cadherins on one cell bind to cadherins of the same or closely related type on another cell. Thus, cells of the same type have a specific affinity to bind to each other and sort themselves into clusters to form tissues.
Cell Sorting During Development
Cell sorting plays an...
Cell Sorting During Development
Cell sorting plays an...
Inhibition of CDK Activity
The orderly progression of the cell cycle depends on the activation of Cdk protein by binding to its cyclin partner. However, the cell cycle must be restricted when undergoing abnormal changes. Most cancers correlate to the deregulated cell cycle, and since Cdks are a central component of the cell cycle, Cdk inhibitors are extensively studied to develop anticancer agents. For instance, cyclin D associates with several Cdks, such as Cdk 4/6, to form an active complex. The cyclin D-Cdk4/6 complex...

