Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor 2C (CDKN2C), also known as p18, is a member of the INK4 family of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors. This protein plays a crucial role in regulating the cell cycle by interacting with cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), specifically CDK4 and CDK6 . By inhibiting these kinases, CDKN2C functions as a cell growth regulator, controlling the progression of the cell cycle at the G1 phase .
The CDKN2C protein is encoded by the CDKN2C gene. It binds to CDK4 or CDK6, preventing their activation and thus inhibiting the phosphorylation of the retinoblastoma protein (pRB). This inhibition leads to cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase, thereby controlling cell proliferation . The protein’s structure allows it to effectively bind to CDKs and block their interaction with cyclins, which are necessary for the activation of CDKs .
CDKN2C has been identified as a significant player in the development and progression of various cancers. Its expression levels are often altered in cancerous tissues, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation. For instance, upregulated CDKN2C expression has been detected in small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) and is associated with poor prognosis . The protein’s role in cancer is not limited to SCLC; it has also been implicated in other cancers such as breast invasive carcinoma and adrenocortical carcinoma .
The clinical significance of CDKN2C extends beyond its role in cancer development. Its expression levels can serve as a prognostic marker, helping to predict the outcome of cancer treatments. High levels of CDKN2C expression are often associated with poor prognosis, making it a potential target for therapeutic interventions . Additionally, CDKN2C’s involvement in the immune microenvironment suggests its potential usefulness in immunotherapy .