NEURONAL CDC2-LIKE KINASE - FROM CELL-CYCLE TO NEURONAL FUNCTION

Neuronal Cdc2-like kinase, Nclk, is a heterodimer of cyclin-dependent protein kinase 5 (Cdk5) and a 25-kDa essential regulatory subunit that is derived from a 35-kDa brain- and neuron-specific protein. This pro tein is called neuronal Cdk5 activator, p25/35(nck5a). Nclk is one of the best characterized Cdc2 family kinases whose primary function is n ot cell cycle related. It has been suggested that this protein kinase plays important roles in neurocytoskeleton dynamics and its loss of re gulation has been implicated in Alzheimer pathology. As a member of th e Cdc2-like kinase family, Nclk shares many common properties with oth er members of the Cdc2-like kinase family. It also possesses unique ch aracteristics that may be related to its distinct and noncell cycle re lated functions. The regulatory and functional properties of Nclk are reviewed in this communication.