The roles of cyclin-dependent kinase 5 in dendrite and synapse development

Biotechnol J. 2007 Aug;2(8):949-57. doi: 10.1002/biot.200700056.

Abstract

Since the isolation of cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5), this proline-directed serine/threonine kinase has been demonstrated as an important regulator of neuronal migration, neuronal survival and synaptic functions. Recently, a number of players implicated in dendrite and synapse development have been identified as Cdk5 substrates. Neurite extension, synapse and spine maturation are all modulated by a myriad of extracellular guidance cues or trophic factors. Cdk5 was recently demonstrated to regulate signaling downstream of some of these extracellular factors, in addition to modulating Rho GTPase activity, which regulates cytoskeletal dynamics. In this communication, we summarize our existing knowledge on the pathways and mechanisms through which Cdk5 affects dendrite, synapse and spine development.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain / enzymology*
  • Cell Enlargement
  • Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 5 / metabolism*
  • Dendrites / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / metabolism*
  • Phosphorylation
  • Synapses / physiology*

Substances

  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 5
  • CDK5 protein, human