CDK
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kinase
(kin'as)An enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of a proenzyme to a fully active enzyme.
cyclin-dependent kinase
Abbreviation: CDKA family of enzymes involved in regulation of the cell cycle. They serve as targets for pharmacological manipulation of this cycle, particularly during the unregulated proliferation of tumor cells.
myosin light chain kinase
An enzyme in smooth muscle cells that catalyzes the transfer of a phosphate group from adenosine triphosphate to myosin, which initiates contraction.
protein kinase
See: protein kinasetyrosine kinase
Any of a group of enzymes that influence signaling between cells, esp. as relates to cell growth and death, cellular adhesion and movement, and cellular differentiation. Abnormalities in tyrosine kinases are found in some human diseases, including chronic myeloid (myelogenous) leukemia.
cyclin-dependent kinase
Abbreviation: CDKA family of enzymes involved in regulation of the cell cycle. They serve as targets for pharmacological manipulation of this cycle, particularly during the unregulated proliferation of tumor cells.
See also: kinase
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