Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Neurosignals. 2003 Sep-Oct;12(4-5):215-20. doi: 10.1159/000074623.

Abstract

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a neurological disorder that selectively affects motor neurons of brain and spinal cord. Emerging evidence indicates an involvement of the serine/threonine-cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) in the pathogenesis. Deregulation of Cdk5 by its truncated co-activators, p25 and p29, contributes to neurodegeneration by altering the phosphorylation state of cytosolic and cytoskeletal proteins and, possibly, through the induction of cell cycle regulators. The present paper reviews these findings and proposes new perspectives to decipher the mechanisms of neurodegeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis induced by Cdk5.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / enzymology*
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / etiology*
  • Animals
  • Cell Cycle / physiology
  • Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 5
  • Cyclin-Dependent Kinases / metabolism*
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Humans
  • Phosphorylation
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 5
  • CDK5 protein, human
  • Cyclin-Dependent Kinases