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Published on: September 17, 2012

Activation of cyclin-dependent kinase 5 is a consequence of cell death

Yixia Ye1, Antonella Tinari, Walter Malorni

  • 1Department of Biology, Queens College and Graduate Center of the City University of New York, Flushing, NY 11367, USA.

Journal of Biomedicine & Biotechnology
|October 16, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) activation occurs during cell death, but is not required for it. This kinase activation is a consequence of metabolic changes, not a cause of cell death.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) plays roles in cell differentiation and death, distinct from its cell division roles.
  • Cdk5 activation has been observed in various cell death scenarios, prompting investigation into its necessity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) is essential for any form of cell death.
  • To investigate the mechanisms and triggers of Cdk5 activation during apoptosis and secondary necrosis.

Main Methods:

  • Assessing Cdk5 activation during apoptotic cell death and secondary necrosis.
  • Utilizing calpain inhibition and RNA interference (RNAi) to suppress Cdk5 synthesis.
  • Examining the role of Bim, calpain, and neutral cathepsins in Cdk5 activation.

Main Results:

  • Cdk5 is activated during apoptotic cell death, persisting into secondary necrosis.
  • Cdk5 activation occurs independently of Bim, calpain, or neutral cathepsins.
  • Calpain inhibition and Cdk5 suppression via RNAi did not affect cell death incidence or kinetics.

Conclusions:

  • Cdk5 activation is a consequence of metabolic alterations common to various cell death pathways.
  • While Cdk5 activation indicates significant cellular events, it is not a prerequisite for cell death.

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