Invitrogen™ Human CDK4/Cyclin D1, GST Tag Recombinant Protein

Cyclin D1 and CDK4 (Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 4) are integral components of the cell cycle regulatory machinery, specifically involved in the transition from the G1 phase to the S phase. Cyclin D1 forms a complex with CDK4, enabling the phosphorylation of the retinoblastoma protein (pRB), which in turn releases E2F transcription factors, promoting the transcription of genes necessary for DNA synthesis and cell cycle progression. This Cyclin D1-CDK4 complex is localized both in the nucleus and cytoplasm, influenced by its binding partners, and Cyclin D1 can also be associated with the outer mitochondrial membrane and plasma membrane, indicating its role in extranuclear signaling and function. This complex is not only imperative for regulating the cell cycle but also plays a crucial role in glucose metabolism, as observed in diabetic models where Cyclin D1-CDK4 activity normalizes glycemia independently of insulin-mediated cell division. Dysregulation of the Cyclin D1-CDK4 pathway is often associated with cancer, as overexpression or amplification of Cyclin D1 can lead to uncontrolled cell proliferation observed in various malignancies such as breast, esophageal, and head and neck cancers.