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Updated: Jun 1, 2026

Assessing Cell Cycle Progression of Neural Stem and Progenitor Cells in the Mouse Developing Brain after Genotoxic Stress
09:51

Assessing Cell Cycle Progression of Neural Stem and Progenitor Cells in the Mouse Developing Brain after Genotoxic Stress

Published on: May 7, 2014

Cdk5: mediator of neuronal development, death and the response to DNA damage

Jinqiu Zhu1, Wenming Li, Zixu Mao

  • 1Department of Pharmacology, Emory University School of Medicine, Whitehead Bldg., Rm505L 615 Michael St., Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.

Mechanisms of Ageing and Development
|May 24, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) regulates brain functions. Its dysregulation contributes to neurodegenerative diseases, particularly neuronal death linked to DNA damage.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) is crucial for central nervous system physiological processes.
  • Cdk5 dysregulation is linked to neurodegenerative disease pathogenesis.
  • DNA damage is increasingly recognized as a factor in neurodegeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the regulation and roles of Cdk5 in physiological conditions.
  • To discuss Cdk5 dysregulation in pathological conditions, focusing on DNA damage-induced neuronal death.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent research on Cdk5.
  • Analysis of Cdk5's role in neuronal survival, migration, differentiation, synaptogenesis, plasticity, and neurotransmission.
  • Examination of Cdk5's involvement in DNA damage pathways and neurodegeneration.

Main Results:

  • Cdk5 plays diverse roles in normal brain function.
  • Aberrant Cdk5 activity is implicated in the progression of neurodegenerative disorders.
  • Cdk5 mediates neuronal death pathways associated with DNA damage.

Conclusions:

  • Cdk5 is a key regulator in the CNS with implications for neurodegenerative diseases.
  • Understanding Cdk5's role in DNA damage is critical for developing therapeutic strategies for neurodegeneration.

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