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Emerging functions of p21-activated kinases in human cancer cells

Rakesh Kumar1, Ratna K Vadlamudi

  • 1Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA. rkumar@mdanderson.org

Journal of Cellular Physiology
|October 18, 2002
PubMed

Insights

P21 activated kinases (Paks) are crucial for cell functions and are implicated in cancer. This review explores Pak functions and their role in tumorigenesis, highlighting novel interacting proteins.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Paks are serine/threonine kinases regulating cell morphogenesis, motility, survival, mitosis, and angiogenesis.
  • Pak activation occurs via GTPase-dependent and -independent pathways, influenced by growth factors and extracellular signals.
  • Dysregulated Paks are linked to human tumors and neurodegenerative diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current knowledge on the Paks family.
  • To explore emerging cellular functions of Paks.
  • To elucidate the contribution of Paks to cancer development.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on Paks.
  • Analysis of Pak involvement in cellular processes.
  • Investigation of Pak interactions in tumorigenesis.

Main Results:

  • Pak overexpression in cancer cells enhances migration, anchorage-independent growth, and mitotic abnormalities.
  • Pak dysregulation is observed in various human cancers.
  • Novel Pak-interacting proteins offer new insights into Pak functions.

Conclusions:

  • Paks play significant roles in fundamental cellular processes.
  • Aberrant Pak activity is a key factor in tumorigenesis.
  • Further research into Pak interactions is crucial for understanding and targeting cancer.

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