Identification and characterization of the BmCyclin L1-BmCDK11A/B complex in relation to cell cycle regulation

Abstract

<p>Cyclin proteins are the key regulatory and activity partner of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), which play pivotal regulatory roles in cell cycle progression. In the present study, we identified a <i>Cyclin L1</i> and 2 CDK11 2 CDK11 splice variants, <i>CDK11A</i> and <i>CDK11B</i>, from silkworm, <i>Bombyx mori</i>. We determined that both Cyclin L1 and CDK11A/B are nuclear proteins, and further investigations were conducted to elucidate their spatiofunctional features. Cyclin L1 forms a complex with CDK11A/B and were co-localized to the nucleus. Moreover, the dimerization of CDK11A and CDK11B and the effects of Cyclin L1 and CDK11A/B on cell cycle regulation were also investigated. Using overexpression or RNA interference experiments, we demonstrated that the abnormal expression of Cyclin L1 and CDK11A/B leads to cell cycle arrest and cell proliferation suppression. Together, these findings indicate that CDK11A/B interacts with Cyclin L1 to regulate the cell cycle.</p