Cyclin-dependent kinases and stroke

Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are a group of enzymes predominately known for their role in cell cycle regulation in proliferating cell types. Increasing evidence, however, suggests that CDKs also promote death in neurones. These observations have lead to the notion that CDKs may serve as a therapeutic target for neuropathological conditions such as stroke. Accordingly, in this review, we will examine the evidence which indicates a role for CDKs in neuronal death and evaluate the potential of CDK inhibitors as a therapeutic target for stroke.