Cyclin-dependent kinase 5

Cyclin-dependent kinase 5, also known as CDK5, is a human gene. The protein encoded by this gene is part of the cyclin-dependent kinase family.

CDK5 is required for proper development of the brain and to be activated, CDK5 must associate with CDK5R1. Dysregulation of this enyzme has been implicated in several neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's.

Recently Cdk5 has emerged as an eesential kinase in sensory pathways. Recent reports of Pareek et. al. from NIH suggest its neccesity in pain signaling.