Cyclin-dependent kinase which displays CTD kinase activity and is required for RNA splicing. Has CTD kinase activity by hyperphosphorylating the C-terminal heptapeptide repeat domain (CTD) of the largest RNA polymerase II subunit RPB1, thereby acting as a key regulator of transcription elongation. Required for RNA splicing, probably by phosphorylating SRSF1/SF2. Required during hematopoiesis. In case of infection by HIV-1 virus, interacts with HIV-1 Tat protein acetylated at 'Lys-50' and 'Lys-51', thereby increasing HIV-1 mRNA splicing and promoting the production of the doubly spliced HIV-1 protein Nef.
Tissue specificity:Expressed in fetal brain, liver, muscle and in adult brain. Also expressed in neuroblastoma and glioblastoma tumors.