CDK7 (cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (MO15 homolog. Xenopus laevis. cdk-activating kinase))

GWB-5CCA1B

1:75000

Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are activated by the binding to a cyclin and mediate the progression through the cell cycle. Each different complex controls a specific transition between two subsequent phases in the cell cycle. CDK7 is the catalytic subunit of the CDK-activating kinase (CAK) complex a serine-threonine kinase. CAK activates the cyclin-associated kinases CDC2/CDK1 CDK2 CDK4 and CDK6 by threonine phosphorylation. CAK complexed to the core-TFIIH basal transcription factor activates RNA polymerase II by serine phosphorylation of the repetitive C-terminus domain (CTD) of its large subunit (POLR2A) allowing its escape from the promoter and elongation of the transcripts. Involved in cell cycle control and in RNA transcription by RNA polymerase II. Its expression and activity are constant throughout the cell cycle.

ATP + [DNA-directed RNA polymerase] = ADP + [DNA-directed RNA polymerase] phosphate.

Associates primarily with cyclin H and MAT1 to form the CAK complex. CAK can further associate with the core-TFIIH to form the TFIIH basal transcription factor. Interacts with PUF60.

Ubiquitous.

Phosphorylation of Thr-170 is required for activity.

Contains 1 protein kinase domain. Summary: The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the cyclin-dependent protein kinase (CDK) family. CDK family members are highly similar to the gene products of Saccharomyces cerevisiae cdc28 and Schizosaccharomyces pombe cdc2 and are known to be important regulators of cell cycle progression. This protein forms a trimeric complex with cyclin H and MAT1 which functions as a Cdk-activating kinase (CAK). It is an essential component of the transcription factor TFIIH that is involved in transcription initiation and DNA repair. This protein is thought to serve as a direct link between the regulation of transcription and the cell cycle. Tassan. J. P. . et al. . (1994) J. Cell Biol. 127:467-478.