1. Abstract Cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (Cdk4) and Cdk6, and later Cdk2, in association with their specific cyclin partners, regulate the G1 to S phase cell cycle transition of mammalian cells by phosphorylation of retinoblastoma ... Cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (Cdk4) and Cdk6, and later Cdk2, in association with their specific cyclin partners, regulate the G1 to S phase cell cycle transition of mammalian cells by phosphorylation of retinoblastoma (Rb) family proteins. Phosphorylation of Rb results in the release of S-phase specific transcription factors; cell cycle-promoting gene expression, and advancement of the cell cycle. Loss of Cdk4 by homologous-targeted disruption leads to a delay in S-phase entry in serum-stimulated mouse embryo fibroblast (MEF) cultures. Homozygous Cdk4-deficient mice display defects in weight gain, fertility and hypoproliferation of specific endocrine cells of the pituitary and pancreas, the latter of which results in a diabetes-like phenotype. In contrast, inheritance of the p16(Ink4a)-insensitive Cdk4(R24C) mutation leads to spontaneous transformation of MEF cultures in vitro and, in vivo, hyperproliferative disorders that progress to cancer. In this manuscript, we report characterization of the abnormal pancreatic development, reduced growth and infertility in Cdk4 mutant mice. We observe that, whereas Cdk4 is dispensable for early pancreatic development, normal Cdk4 expression is critical for optimal growth of the organism. Also, we observe that loss of Cdk4 may result in insulin insensitivity, implicating an additional role of Cdk4 in beta-cell function, in addition to its role in beta-cell proliferation. Further, we demonstrate that loss of Cdk4 leads to an age-dependent defect in spermatogenesis and disruption in the timing of the estrus cycle. Taken together, our results indicate that the overall defects in growth, fertility and pancreatic development in Cdk4-deficient mice may be a combination of cell-type specific defects and altered glucose metabolism, as a result of defects in postnatal pancreatic development.
PMID: [14627982]
2. Abstract To ascertain the role of cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (Cdk4) in vivo, we have targeted the mouse Cdk4 locus by homologous recombination to generate two strains of mice, one that lacks Cdk4 ... To ascertain the role of cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (Cdk4) in vivo, we have targeted the mouse Cdk4 locus by homologous recombination to generate two strains of mice, one that lacks Cdk4 expression and one that expresses a Cdk4 molecule with an activating mutation. Embryonic fibroblasts proliferate normally in the absence of Cdk4 but have a delayed S phase on re-entry into the cell cycle. Moreover, mice devoid of Cdk4 are viable, but small in size and infertile. These mice also develop insulin-deficient diabetes due to a reduction in beta-islet pancreatic cells. In contrast, mice expressing a mutant Cdk4 that cannot bind the cell-cycle inhibitor P16INK4a display pancreatic hyperplasia due to abnormal proliferation of beta-islet cells. These results establish Cdk4 as an essential regulator of specific cell types.
PMID: [10319860]
S. G. Rane, P. Dubus, R. V. Mettus, E. J. Galbreath, G. Boden, E. P. Reddy and M. Barbacid (1999) Loss of Cdk4 expression causes insulin-deficient diabetes and Cdk4 activation results in beta-islet cell hyperplasia. Nat Genet 22(1): 44-52. PMID: [10319860]
S. G. Rane, P. Dubus, R. V. Mettus, E. J. Galbreath, G. Boden, E. P. Reddy and M. Barbacid (1999) Loss of Cdk4 expression causes insulin-deficient diabetes and Cdk4 activation results in beta-islet cell hyperplasia. Nat Genet 22(1): 44-52. PMID: [10319860]
S. G. Rane, P. Dubus, R. V. Mettus, E. J. Galbreath, G. Boden, E. P. Reddy and M. Barbacid (1999) Loss of Cdk4 expression causes insulin-deficient diabetes and Cdk4 activation results in beta-islet cell hyperplasia. Nat Genet 22(1): 44-52. PMID: [10319860]
S. G. Rane, P. Dubus, R. V. Mettus, E. J. Galbreath, G. Boden, E. P. Reddy and M. Barbacid (1999) Loss of Cdk4 expression causes insulin-deficient diabetes and Cdk4 activation results in beta-islet cell hyperplasia. Nat Genet 22(1): 44-52. PMID: [10319860]
Cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (Cdk4) and Cdk6, and later Cdk2, in association with their specific cyclin partners, regulate the G1 to S phase cell cycle transition of mammalian cells by phosphorylation of retinoblastoma (Rb) family proteins. Loss of Cdk4 leads to an age-dependent defect in spermatogenesis and disruption in the timing of the estrus cycle.Cdk4 participates in proliferation of beta-islet cells.
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Complex name
Subunits(UniProt IDs)
Functional comment
p27-cyclinD2-Cdk4 complex
P30280 P30285 P46529
p27 inhibits kinase activity of cyclinD2-CDK4.
Ccnd1-Cdk4 complex
P25322 P30285
p19-Cdk4 complex
P30285 Q60773
p18-Cdk4 complex
P30285 Q60772
p19-Cdk4-cyclinD2 complex
P30280 P30285 Q60773
p19 binds to preassembled cyclinD-CDK complex in vitro and inhibits their activity without replacing Cyclin D. However, affinity for p19 to the uncomplexed CDK4 is higher.
CycD1-Cdk4 complex
P25322 P30285
Cyclin D1-associated protein complex
P25322 P30285 P39689 P17879
Hsc70 functions in the maturation of cyclin D1, thereby facilitating the assembly of an active CyclinD1-CDK4 holoenzyme.