Expression and activity of cyclin-dependent kinase 5/p35 in adult rat peripheral nervous system

In spite of the clarification in the temporal and spatial expression pattern of a cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk) 5 and its neuron-specific activator, p35, in the CNS, it remains to be elucidated in the PNS. In addition, it is not known whether Cdk5 activity exists in the PNS. Therefore, we have examined their expression and activity in the PNS by immunoblot analysis, immunohistochemistry, and in vitro kinase assay. Immunoblot analysis indicated the expression of Cdk5 and p35 proteins in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and sciatic nerve alike in the CNS. By immunohistochemistry, both proteins were shown to be present in the cell body and axon (sciatic nerve) of both DRG neurons and anterior horn cells. A co-immunoprecipitation study indicated the in vivo association between Cdk5 and p35 in both DRG and sciatic nerve. However, Cdk5 kinase activity was found only in DRG, but not in sciatic nerve. These results suggest that Cdk5 kinase activity exists and functions physiologically in the PNS and may be regulated by unknown mechanisms other than the availability of p35 as reported in developing brains.