CDK8 Antibodies

Structure of CDK8

CDK8 is a protein kinase with a relative molecular mass of approximately 53 kDa. This value may vary slightly among different species due to differences in amino acid sequences.

This protein consists of 464 amino acids and its spatial folding forms a typical double-leaf kinase structure. CDK8 is composed of a catalytic core at the N-terminus and a regulatory region at the C-terminus. The catalytic core provides an accurate molecular environment for the binding of ATP and substrates. As an enzyme activity subunit of the Mediator complex, CDK8 must form an heterodimer with cyclin C to exert kinase function. This interaction promotes the rearrangement of the catalytic center conformation, exposing the active site. The protein surface has multiple hydrophobic regions and charged residue clusters, which mediate its assembly with subunits such as Med12 and Med13, as well as the recognition of transcription factors and other substrates, thereby achieving precise regulation of gene transcription.

Fig. 1 CDK8 regulates transcription.¹

CDK8 as a key structural feature of protein kinases:

• Typical bifacial kinase folding structure
• ATP-binding cleft between the N-terminal and C-terminal lobes
• Activation region dependent on cyclin C binding for kinase activity
• Hydrophobic substrate recognition interface responsible for phosphorylation of substrates
• Surface hydrophobic clusters mediate the assembly of subunits such as Med12
• Flexible activation loop regulates catalytic activity through phosphorylation

Functions of CDK8

The core function of CDK8 is to act as the kinase subunit of the Mediator complex to regulate gene transcription. However, it is also involved in various cellular processes, including signal transduction, cell cycle control, and metabolic adaptation.

The activity of CDK8 is dynamically regulated by the binding of cyclins and the assembly of the Mediator complex. It exhibits functional plasticity in different cellular environments and can act as either a transcriptional inhibitor or an activator.

Applications of CDK8 and CDK8 Antibody in Literature

1. Yin, Xiaomin, et al. "Unveiling the impact of CDK8 on tumor progression: mechanisms and therapeutic strategies." Frontiers in pharmacology 15 (2024): 1386929. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2024.1386929

The article indicates that CDK8, as a molecular switch of the Mediator complex, regulates gene expression by phosphorylating transcription factors. It plays a dual role in tumor development, being both a cancer-promoting factor and a tumor-suppressing factor. This article reviews the complex functions of CDK8 in transcriptional regulation and tumor-related signaling pathways.

2. Menzl, Ingeborg, Agnieszka Witalisz-Siepracka, and Veronika Sexl. "CDK8-novel therapeutic opportunities." Pharmaceuticals 12.2 (2019): 92. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph12020092

The article indicates that CDK8 may be a potential drug target for breast cancer and prostate cancer, but its inhibitors have not yet entered clinical trials. This article reviews the biological functions of CDK8 and the complexity of its signaling pathways, and explores the new therapeutic approaches it may bring.

3. Liao, Jenny Zhe, et al. "Cdk8/CDK19 promotes mitochondrial fission through Drp1 phosphorylation and can phenotypically suppress pink1 deficiency in Drosophila." Nature communications 15.1 (2024): 3326. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-47623-8

The article indicates that the absence of Cdk8 in fruit flies leads to elongated neuronal mitochondria, shortened lifespan, and tactile hypersensitivity. Human CDK19 can rescue this defect. Cdk8 promotes mitochondrial division by phosphorylating Drp1 at S616 in the cytoplasm, which functions similarly to Pink1. Overexpression can compensate for the mitochondrial and behavioral abnormalities caused by the deficiency of Pink1.

4. Li, Jing, et al. "Characterizing CDK8/19 inhibitors through a NFκB-dependent cell-based assay." Cells 8.10 (2019): 1208. https://doi.org/10.3390/cells8101208

Using the CRISPR technology to construct CDK8/19 double-knockout cells, it was found that they were involved in NFκB transcriptional induction. Based on this, a specific cell reporter system was established, which could precisely evaluate the inhibitory activity of compounds on CDK8/19 and verified that the osteogenic effect of thienopyridine compounds was mediated by CDK8/19.

5. Friedson, Brittany, and Katrina F. Cooper. "Cdk8 kinase module: A mediator of life and death decisions in times of stress." Microorganisms 9.10 (2021): 2152. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9102152

The article indicates that the Cdk8 module of Saccharomyces cerevisiae regulates cell fate through both transcriptional and non-transcriptional mechanisms: it inhibits stress genes in the nucleus, releases cyclin C to the mitochondria to promote apoptosis during cell death; and under nutrient deficiency, it degrades cyclin C or processes Med13 through the autophagy pathway to promote survival.

Creative Biolabs: CDK8 Antibodies for Research

Creative Biolabs specializes in the production of high-quality CDK8 antibodies for research and industrial applications. Our portfolio includes monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies tailored for ELISA, Flow Cytometry, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and other diagnostic methodologies.

• Custom CDK8 Antibody Development: Tailor-made solutions to meet specific research requirements.
• Bulk Production: Large-scale antibody manufacturing for industry partners.
• Technical Support: Expert consultation for protocol optimization and troubleshooting.
• Aliquoting Services: Conveniently sized aliquots for long-term storage and consistent experimental outcomes.

For more details on our CDK8 antibodies, custom preparations, or technical support, contact us at email.