Cdk6 - cyclin-dependent kinase 6

This gene encodes a member of the cyclin dependent kinase family of proteins that play important roles in the progression and regulation of the cell cycle. The encoded protein binds to a D-type cyclin to form an active kinase complex to regulate progression through the G1 phase of the cell cycle. Mice lacking the encoded protein exhibit thymic and splenic hypoplasia, and hematopoietic defects such as reduced number of megakaryocytes and erythrocytes. A pseudogene of this gene has been defined on chromosome 4. [provided by RefSeq, Aug 2015]