CDK19/CDK11

CDK19 is the Mediator-associated paralog of CDK8, and like CDK8 it joins cyclin C, MED12 and MED13 in the kinase module that docks onto the Mediator complex to regulate RNA polymerase II transcription. CDK19 phosphorylates the Pol II CTD and transcription factors, and it acts in tissue-specific programs including heart development and stress-responsive gene expression. Amplification or overexpression of CDK19 occurs in some cancers, and CDK8/CDK19 inhibitors are in clinical development for AML, colorectal and hormone-receptor-positive breast cancers. CDK19 and CDK8 arose from gene duplication and are functionally overlapping yet non-redundant in certain developmental contexts.