CDKL5 is a gene that provides instructions for making a protein called cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 also known as serine/threonine kinase 9 that is essential for normal brain development. Mutations in the gene can cause deficiencies in the protein. The gene regulates neuronal morphology through cytoplasmic signaling and controlling gene expression. The CDKL5 protein acts as a kinase, which is an enzyme that changes the activity of other proteins by adding a cluster of oxygen and phosphorus atoms at specific positions. Researchers are currently working to determine which proteins are targeted by the CDKL5 protein.
Mutations
CDKL5 Deficiency had been thought of as a variant of Rett's Syndrome due to some similarities in the clinical presentation, but it is now known to be an independent clinical entity caused by mutations in a distinct X-linked gene, and is considered separate to Rett Syndrome rather than a variant of it. While CDKL5 is primarily associated with girls, it has been seen in boys as well. This disorder includes many of the features of classic Rett syndrome, but also causes recurrent seizures beginning in infancy. Some CDKL5 mutations change a single proteinbuilding block in a region of the CDKL5 protein that is critical for its kinase function. Other mutations lead to the production of an abnormally short, nonfunctional version of the protein. Further confirmation that CDKL5 is an independent disorder with its own characteristics is provided by this study, published in April 2016, which concluded 'There were differences in the presentation of clinical features occurring in the CDKL5 disorder and in Rett syndrome, reinforcing the concept that CDKL5 is an independent disorder with its own distinctive characteristics'. At one time, mutations in the CDKL5 gene were said to cause a disorder called X-linked infantile spasm syndrome or West syndrome. but this research established CDKL5 disorder as a distinct clinical entity.
Animal studies
GSK3β inhibitors in Cdkl5 knockout mice rescues hippocampal development and learning. Likewise, IGF-1 treatment in CDKL5 null mice restores synaptic deficits.
The CDKL5 gene is located on the short arm of the X chromosome at position 22. More precisely, the CDKL5 gene is located from base pair 18,443,724 to base pair 18,671,748 on the X chromosome.
