CDK11A/CDC2L2

CDK11A lies beside its paralog CDK11B on chromosome 1p36 and encodes PITSLRE-family kinases, historically called CDC2L2. These kinases pair with cyclin L isoforms to regulate transcription, pre-mRNA splicing and sister chromatid cohesion. CDK11 exists as p110 and p58 forms; p58 is generated by caspase cleavage or IRES-driven translation during apoptosis and promotes cell death, linking CDK11A to apoptotic signaling as well as cell-cycle control. CDK11A is widely expressed and has roles in autophagy and in cancer cell survival; CDK11 inhibitors are being explored in melanoma and multiple myeloma, contexts where the kinase is overactive.