CDK5 Regulatory Subunit Associated Protein 2 (CDK5RAP2)

Neuronal CDC2-like kinase, which is involved in the regulation of neuronal differentiation, is composed of a catalytic subunit, CDK5, and an activating subunit, p25NCK5A. CDK5RAP2 binds to p25NCK5A and therefore may be involved in neuronal differentiation. The encoded protein may also be a substrate of neuronal CDC2-like kinase. Multiple transcript variants exist for this gene, but the full-length nature of only two has been determined.The deduced protein contains 1,561 amino acids. RT-PCR ELISA detected moderate to high expression of CDK5RAP2 in all tissues and specific brain regions examined. Highest levels were detected in skeletal muscle, fetal liver, brain, kidney, and ovary. Within specific brain regions, highest expression was detected in thalamus, corpus callosum, substantia nigra, hippocampus, and caudate nucleus.