Cdk5 interacts with Hif-1α in neurons: A new hypoxic signalling mechanism?

► Hypoxia modulates the p35/Cdk5 complex in primary cortical neurons at the transcriptional and protein level. ► Hypoxic induction of Cdk5 activity correlates with Hif-1α stabilisation, and direct interaction between these proteins can occur. ► Inhibition of Cdk5 by roscovitine abrogates Hif-1α accumulation and induces cell death.