[Cyclin dependent kinases. From molecular biology to pathology]

Cyclin-dependent kinases (cdks) is a family of serine-threonine kinases whose principal role is the promotion of the cell transition through the regulatory points of the cell cycle (G1 and G2/M). The best known human cdks are: cdk1-cdk7 and p58-GTA. The latter one, contrarily to the other cdks, is supposed to act as a antiproliferative factor. Most cdks may be involved in the development of neoplastic disorders. This hypothesis is based on their biological features (interactions with viral oncoproteins), their hyperexpression in some malignancies and frequent deletions of cdk inhibitory genes in cancer cells. cdk5, which displays the maximal kinase activity in non-proliferating brain neurons may participate in the pathogeny of the Alzheimer's disease.