What is CDKL5?
CDKL5 is a rare X‐linked genetic disorder that results in early onset, difficult to control seizures, and severe neuro‐developmental impairment. CDKL5 stands for cyclin‐dependent kinase‐like 5, and is located on the X chromosome. The X chromosome is one of the sex chromosomes; females have two X’s and males have one X and one Y chromosome. The letters are an abbreviation of the scientific name of the gene which describes what it does. The CDKL5 gene was previously called STK9. The CDKL5 gene provides instructions for making a protein that is essential for normal brain development. Although little is known about the protein’s function, it may play a role in regulating the activity of other genes, including the MECP2 gene (of Rett Syndrome). The CDKL5 protein acts as a kinase, which is an enzyme that changes the activity of other proteins by adding oxygen and phosphate atoms (a phosphate group) at specific positions. Researchers have not yet determined which proteins are targeted by the
