This page was produced as an assignment for Genetics 677, an undergraduate course at UW-Madison.
Gene Ontology
The gene ontology for CDKN2A was found using AmiGO. The biological processes, cellular components, and molecular functions of CDKN2A were analyzed as they relate to the gene's function as a tumor suppressor in humans unless noted otherwise. All information and images found on this page are from AmiGO.
Biological Processes
Cell cycle arrest found in Homo sapiens
The biological process, cell cycle arrest, is a very important role played by CDKN2A to halt the development and eventual metastasis of tumor cells. Many other important processes that relate directly to this process were also found, including cell cycle checkpoint, induction of apoptosis, and negative regulation of cell growth. The previously mentioned processes were found looking at the human gene CDKN2A. Epidermis development was found under biological processes of mouse CDKN2A. I found this to be quite interesting as the gene functions as a tumor suppressor of melanoma cells, which originate from melanocytes in the epidermis.
Cellular Components
Nucleus localization in Homo sapiens
Depending on how CDKN2A is functioning in the cell at the time of identification, the gene product will be localized in the cytosol, or more importantly in terms of its active function as a kinase inhibitor, the nucleus.
Molecular Functions
Kinase inhibitor activity in Homo sapiens
The primary molecular function of CDKN2A is very straightforward, as the gene is named after its function. The tree at right shows its function of cyclin-dependent protein kinase inhibitor activity. The function of protein kinase binding was also found in the search. The gene product negatively regulates growth through binding and inhibiting the activity of a cyclin-dependent kinase.