Cyclin Dependent Kinase 11A (CDK11A)

The CDC2L2 transcripts encode 5 protein isoforms ranging in size from 65 to 110 kD. The isoforms vary in the length and sequence of their N-terminal regions; the protein kinase catalytic and C-terminal domains are identical. All contain a 30-residue acid blob domain comprised primarily of glutamic acid. The mRNAs encoding the 3 largest isoforms, CDC2L2 alpha-2-1, -2-2, and -2-3, contain 2 alternative translation initiation sites separated by 58 amino acids. In vitro translation of these mRNAs yields the 90- and 110-kD isoforms observed in extracts of HeLa cells. Subcellular fractionation studies indicated that the 110-kD isoforms are primarily localized in the nucleus. The 65-kD isoform was detected only in cells undergoing apoptosis. Subsequently, the CDC2L2 gene on chromosome 15 was retired by the HUGO Nomenclature Committee. The designation CDC2L2 represents a gene on 1p36.