CDK3 Human

Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 3 (CDK3) is a serine/threonine-protein kinase that plays a critical role in the regulation of the eukaryotic cell cycle. It is involved in the transitions between the G0-G1 and G1-S phases of the cell cycle . CDK3 is part of the larger family of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), which are characterized by their dependency on a regulatory subunit known as a cyclin .

The CDK3 gene is located on chromosome 17 at the band 17q25.1 in humans . The protein encoded by this gene is known as Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 3 or Cell Division Protein Kinase 3. CDK3 has several aliases, including CDK3 and cyclin-dependent kinase 3 . The protein structure of CDK3 includes domains essential for its enzymatic activity, which are provided by its interaction with cyclins .

CDK3 is involved in the regulation of the cell cycle by phosphorylating specific substrates, such as histone H1 . It interacts with cyclin-C (CCNC) during the interphase of the cell cycle . This interaction is crucial for the progression of cells from the G0 phase (a resting phase) to the G1 phase (the first gap phase) and subsequently from the G1 phase to the S phase (the synthesis phase) where DNA replication occurs .

Cyclin-dependent kinases, including CDK3, have undergone significant evolutionary divergence and specialization. They are part of the CMGC group of kinases, which also includes mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (Gsk3β) . The evolutionary expansion of the CDK family in mammals has led to the division of CDKs into several subfamilies, each with specific functions related to cell cycle regulation and transcription .

Deregulation of CDKs, including CDK3, is a hallmark of several diseases, particularly cancer . The importance of CDKs in cell cycle control makes them potential targets for therapeutic interventions. Drug-targeted inhibition of specific CDKs has shown promising results in clinical trials, highlighting their potential in cancer treatment .