p21 WAF-1 Antibody – Mouse Monoclonal

This gene encodes a potent cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor. The encoded protein binds to and inhibits the activity of cyclin-CDK2 or -CDK4 complexes, and thus functions as a regulator of cell cycle progression at G1. The expression of this gene is tightly controlled by the tumor suppressor protein p53, through which this protein mediates the p53-dependent cell cycle G1 phase arrest in response to a variety of stress stimuli. This protein can interact with proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), a DNA polymerase accessory factor, and plays a regulatory role in S phase DNA replication and DNA damage repair. This protein was reported to be specifically cleaved by CASP3-like caspases, which thus leads to a dramatic activation of CDK2, and may be instrumental in the execution of apoptosis following caspase activation. Multiple alternatively spliced variants have been found for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Nov 2010]

Function: May be the important intermediate by which p53/TP53 mediates its role as an inhibitor of cellular proliferation in response to DNA damage. Binds to and inhibits cyclin-dependent kinase activity, preventing phosphorylation of critical cyclin-dependent kinase substrates and blocking cell cycle progression. Functions in the nuclear localization and assembly of cyclin D-CDK4 complex and promotes its kinase activity towards RB1. At higher stoichiometric ratios, inhibits the kinase activity of the cyclin D-CDK4 complex. Ref.1 Ref.13

Subunit structure: Interacts with HDAC1; the interaction is prevented by competitive binding of C10orf90/FATS to HDAC1 facilitating acetylation and protein stabilization of CDKN1A/p21

By similarity. Interacts with MKRN1. Interacts with PSMA3. Interacts with PCNA. Component of the ternary complex, cyclin D-CDK4-CDKN1A. Interacts (via its N-terminal domain) with CDK4; the interaction promotes the assembly of the cyclin D-CDK4 complex, its nuclear translocation and promotes the cyclin D-dependent enzyme activity of CDK4. Binding to CDK2 leads to CDK2/cyclin E inactivation at the G1-S phase DNA damage checkpoint, thereby arresting cells at the G1-S transition during DNA repair. Interacts with PIM1. Ref.13 Ref.14 Ref.16 Ref.19 Ref.21 Ref.23 Ref.24

Subcellular location: Cytoplasm. Nucleus Ref.13 Ref.15 Ref.16.

Tissue specificity: Expressed in all adult tissues, with 5-fold lower levels observed in the brain.

Induction: Activated by p53/TP53, mezerein (antileukemic compound) and IFNB1. Repressed by HDAC1. Ref.1 Ref.2

Domain: The PIP-box K+4 motif mediates both the interaction with PCNA and the recuitment of the DCX(DTL) complex: while the PIP-box interacts with PCNA, the presence of the K+4 submotif, recruits the DCX(DTL) complex, leading to its ubiquitination. Ref.19 Ref.21The C-terminal is required for nuclear localization of the cyclin D-CDK4 complex. Ref.19 Ref.21

Post-translational modification: Phosphorylation of Thr-145 by Akt or of Ser-146 by PKC impairs binding to PCNA. Phosphorylation at Ser-114 by GSK3-beta enhances ubiquitination by the DCX(DTL) complex. Phosphorylation of Thr-145 by PIM2 enhances CDKN1A stability and inhibits cell proliferation. Phosphorylation of Thr-145 by PIM1 results in the relocation of CDKN1A to the cytoplasm and enhanced CDKN1A protein stability.Ubiquitinated by MKRN1; leading to polyubiquitination and 26S proteasome-dependent degradation. Ubiquitinated by the DCX(DTL) complex, also named CRL4(CDT2) complex, leading to its degradation during S phase or following UV irradiation. Ubiquitination by the DCX(DTL) complex is essential to control replication licensing and is PCNA-dependent: interacts with PCNA via its PIP-box, while the presence of the containing the 'K+4' motif in the PIP box, recruit the DCX(DTL) complex, leading to its degradation. Ref.19 Ref.20 Ref.21 Ref.24 Ref.25Acetylation leads to protein stability. Acetylated in vitro on Lys-141, Lys-154, Lys-161 and Lys-163. Deacetylation by HDAC1 is prevented by competitive binding of C10orf90/FATS to HDAC1

By similarity.

Sequence similarities: Belongs to the CDI family.

Sequence caution: The sequence AAB59559.1 differs from that shown. Reason: Erroneous initiation. Translation N-terminally shortened.The sequence AAB59560.1 differs from that shown. Reason: Erroneous initiation. Translation N-terminally shortened.