Overview:

CDK8 is a member of the CDK family which are important regulators of cell cycle progression. CDK8 associates with Cyclin C and is a component of the RNA polymerase II holoenzyme complex that phosphorylates the carboxy-terminal domain (CTD) of the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (1). CDK8 regulate transcription by targeting the CDK7/cyclin H subunits of the general transcription initiation factor IIH (TFIIH). Inhibition of CDK8 expression inhibits proliferation in colon cancer cells characterized by high levels of CDK8 and beta-catenin hyperactivity. CDK8 kinase activity is necessary for β-catenin-driven transformation and for expression of several β-catenin transcriptional targets (2).

Gene Aliases:

CDK8: K35, MGC126074, MGC126075
CyclinC: CCNC, CycC

Genbank Number:

BC069634
NM_005190

References:

1. Akoulitchev S, et al: TFIIH is negatively regulated by cdk8-containing mediator complexes. Nature 407: 102-106, 2000.

2. Firestein R, et al: CDK8 is a colorectal cancer oncogene that regulates beta-catenin activity. Nature 455: 547-551, 2008.