Cyclin-dependent kinase 2 is essential for meiosis but not for mitotic cell division in mice.
Journal:
Nat. Genet. 2003 SepAuthors:
Ortega S, Prieto I, Odajima J, Martín A, Dubus P, Sotillo R, Barbero JL, Malumbres M, Barbacid M
Abstract
We targeted the locus encoding the cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) by homologous recombination in mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells. Embryonic fibroblasts lacking CDK2 proliferate normally and become immortal after continuous passage in culture. Elimination of a conditional Cdk2 allele in immortal cells does not have a significant effect on proliferation. Cdk2-/- mice are viable and survive for up to two years, indicating that CDK2 is also dispensable for proliferation and survival of most cell t
...[more]ypes. But CDK2 is essential for completion of prophase I during meiotic cell division in male and female germ cells, an unforeseen role for this cell cycle kinase.[less]
Mesh Headings:
Animals, CDC2-CDC28 Kinases, Cells, Cultured, Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 2, Cyclin-Dependent Kinases, Female, Fibroblasts, Male, Meiosis, Mice, Mice, Knockout, Mitosis, Oocytes, Ovary, Protein-Serine-Threonine Kinases, Serial Passage, Spermatogenesis, Testis