Cyclin-Dependent Kinases (CDKs) are a family of protein kinases involved in regulating the cell cycle. Their activity is dependent on the binding of cyclins, regulatory proteins whose levels vary throughout the cell cycle. CDKs are essential for the progression through different phases of the cell cycle, such as G1, S, G2, and M phases.

Content:

• Types of CDKs and Cyclins:
  • There are multiple CDKs (e.g., CDK1, CDK2, CDK4, CDK6) and cyclins (e.g., Cyclin A, Cyclin B, Cyclin D, Cyclin E) that form specific complexes to regulate different stages of the cell cycle.
• CDK Function:
  • CDKs phosphorylate target proteins, leading to changes in their activity, stability, or interactions, thus driving the cell cycle forward.
  • CDK activity is tightly regulated by cyclin binding, phosphorylation, and the action of CDK inhibitors (CKIs).
• Antibody Use:
  • Detection and Quantification: CDK antibodies are used in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and immunofluorescence to detect and quantify CDK proteins in cell and tissue samples.
  • Localization: These antibodies help determine the subcellular localization of CDKs, providing insights into their functional roles.
  • Functional Studies: By using CDK antibodies in immunoprecipitation, researchers can study protein-protein interactions and CDK activity.
• Applications:
  • Cancer Research: Since dysregulation of CDKs is a hallmark of many cancers, CDK antibodies are used to study their expression and function in cancerous cells.
  • Drug Development: CDK inhibitors are potential therapeutic agents. CDK antibodies help in evaluating the effectiveness of these inhibitors in preclinical studies.
  • Cell Cycle Studies: Researchers use CDK antibodies to investigate how cells transition through different phases of the cell cycle under various conditions.