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Updated: Jul 17, 2026

Identification of Cyclin-dependent Kinase 1 Specific Phosphorylation Sites by an In Vitro Kinase Assay
Published on: May 3, 2018
Multiple levels of cyclin specificity in cell-cycle control.
Joanna Bloom1, Frederick R Cross
1Laboratory of Yeast Molecular Genetics, Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, New York 10021, USA.
Cyclins control cell cycle progression by activating cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks). Different cyclins target specific proteins, influencing cell cycle events through expression timing or intrinsic properties.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks) are key regulators of the cell cycle.
- Cyclin-Cdk complexes phosphorylate specific targets to drive cellular processes.
- In budding yeast, a single Cdk is activated by various cyclins.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanisms by which different cyclins regulate cell cycle progression.
- To understand how cyclins target specific proteins and initiate distinct cell-cycle events.
- To explore the roles of cyclin expression timing and intrinsic properties in cell cycle control.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of cyclin-Cdk interactions in budding yeast.
- Identification of specific protein targets phosphorylated by cyclin-Cdk complexes.
- Comparison of cyclin expression patterns and their correlation with cell cycle events.
Main Results:
- Multiple cyclins can activate a single Cdk in budding yeast.
- Cyclins exhibit differential targeting of proteins, leading to distinct cell cycle outcomes.
- Both the timing of cyclin expression and inherent cyclin properties contribute to substrate specificity.
Conclusions:
- Cyclin diversity allows for precise regulation of cell cycle progression.
- Understanding cyclin function is crucial for comprehending cell cycle control and potential disruptions.
- The study highlights the complex interplay between cyclin expression, intrinsic properties, and Cdk activity in cell division.
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