Civ1 (CAK in vivo), a novel Cdk-activating kinase

Cyclin-dependent protein kinases (Cdks) play key roles in regulating cell division and gene expression. Most Cdks require binding of a cyclin and phosphorylation by a Cdk-activating kinase (CAK) to be active. We report the identification of Civ1 (CAK in vivo), a novel CAK activity in S. cerevisiae. Civ1 is most similar in sequence to the Cdks, but unlike them is active as a monomer and may thus be the founding member of a novel family of kinases. Civ1 binds tightly to and phosphorylates Cdc28, thereby allowing its subsequent activation by the binding of a cyclin. The CIV1 gene is essential for yeast cell viability, and Cdc28 phosphorylation and activity are conditionally inhibited in a civ1-4 temperature-sensitive mutant. Civ1 is the only CAK for which there are genetic data indicating that its activity is physiologically relevant in vivo.