Cdc5L (Cell division cycle 5-like protein, Pombe Cdc5-related protein) is a DNA-binding protein encoded by the human gene CDC5L. Cdc5L contains 2 HTH myb-type DNA-binding domains and may shuttle between cytoplasm and nucleus. It is involved in cell cycle control and may act as a transcription activator. CDC5L is a spliceosomal protein that is highly conserved across species. It is a member of a protein group that comprise the core of spliceosomal complexes and are essential for pre-mRNA splicing. Cdc5L is involved in the second catalytic step of pre-mRNA splicing, which involves cleavage at the 3' splice site and the ligation of the exons. This process releases the intact intron lariat. A chromosomal aberration involving Cdc5L is found in multicystic renal dysplasia. This aberration is caused by a translocation with USF-2.