Mechanisms controlling CDK9 activity

Renee M. Marshall, Xavier Grana

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

39 Scopus citations

Abstract

This review primarily focuses on the mechanisms that modulate CDK9 activity and its recruitment to cellular genes, where it phosphorylates the C-terminal domain of RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) as well as negative elongation factors. CDK9 associates with each of four cyclins (T1, T2a, T2b and K), forming distinct positive transcription elongation factors (P-TEFb). Research done during the past decade has demonstrated a role for P-TEFb in stimulating elongation of otherwise paused RNAPII transcripts. Recent work suggests that P-TEFb also positively modulates other steps during transcription. In addition, "abnormal° CDK9 function is associated with certain diseases. Specifically, the activity of the cyclin T1/CDK9 complex is essential for HIV-1 replication and CDK9 upregulation is associated with cardiac hypertrophy. Thus, the role of CDK9 in these processes, and the possibility of therapeutically targeting CDK9, will also be briefly discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2598-2613
Number of pages16
JournalFrontiers in Bioscience
Volume11
Issue numberSUPPL. 2
DOIs
StatePublished - 2006
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
  • General Immunology and Microbiology

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