A-kinase-anchoring proteins and cytoskeletal signalling events

Targeting of protein kinases and phosphatases to the cytoskeleton enhances the regulation of many signalling events. Cytoskeletal signalling complexes facilitate this process by optimizing the relay of messages from membrane receptors to specific sites on the actin cytoskeleton. These signals influence fundamental cell properties such as shape, movement and division. Targeting of the cAMP-dependent kinase (protein kinase A) and other enzymes to this compartment is achieved through interaction with A-kinase-anchoring proteins (AKAPs). The present paper discusses recent progress on dissecting the biological role of WAVE1 (Wiskott-Alrich syndrome protein family verprolin homology protein 1), an AKAP that assembles a cytoskeletal transduction complex in response to signals that emanate from the low-molecular-mass GTPase, Rac.