Overview:

p16INK4A protein family specifically inhibit cyclin-dependent kinase 4-mediated phosphorylation of the retinoblastoma (Rb) susceptibility gene product. p16INK4A, has been identified as a tumor suppressor in many human cancers and inactivation of p16INK4A in tumors is thought to be required in order for many malignant cell types to enter S-phase (1). p16INK4A expression is required for the reduction in cdk4- and cdk6-mediated Rb kinase activity observed in response to DNA damage. p16INK4A gene is frequently mutated or deleted in a wide variety of tumors, and is known to be an important tumor suppressor gene (2).

Gene Aliases:

CDKN2A, ARF, MLM, p14, p16, p19, CMM2, INK4, MTS1, TP16, CDK4I, CDKN2, INK4a, p14ARF, p16INK4

Genbank Number:

NM_000077

References:

1. Smith-Sørensen, B. et al: CDKN2A (p16INK4A) somatic and germline mutations. Hum. Mutat. 1996; 7 (4): 294-303.

2. Kusy, S. et al: p14ARF, p15INK4b and p16INK4a methylation status in chronic myelogenous leukemia. Leuk, Lymphoma, 2005; 45 (10): 1989-94.