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Updated: May 8, 2026

Detection and Visualization of DNA Damage-induced Protein Complexes in Suspension Cell Cultures Using the Proximity Ligation Assay
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Detection and Visualization of DNA Damage-induced Protein Complexes in Suspension Cell Cultures Using the Proximity Ligation Assay

Published on: June 9, 2017

Identification of novel gene targets and functions of p21-activated kinase 1 during DNA damage by gene expression

Mona Motwani1, Da-Qiang Li, Anelia Horvath

  • 1McCormick Genomic and Proteomics Center, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA.

Plos One
|August 17, 2013
PubMed

Insights

P21-activated kinase 1 (PAK1) plays a role in the DNA damage response. This study identified novel PAK1-dependent genes activated by ionizing radiation (IR), revealing new insights into PAK1

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cellular Biology
  • Genomics

Background:

  • P21-activated kinase 1 (PAK1) is a serine/threonine protein kinase involved in various cellular processes.
  • PAK1 translocates to the nucleus and associates with chromatin, influencing gene transcription.
  • PAK1 activation and nuclear translocation are stimulated by ionizing radiation (IR), indicating its role in the DNA damage response.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify novel PAK1 targets in response to IR.
  • To investigate the role of PAK1 in modulating genes crucial for the DNA damage response.

Main Methods:

  • Gene expression profiling using microarray technology in murine embryonic fibroblasts with or without Pak1.
  • Bioinformatic analyses including pathway, network, and functional analyses (KEGG, Ingenuity Pathway, Gene Ontology, PANTHER).
  • Validation of selective PAK1 targets using RT-qPCR.

Main Results:

  • A genome-wide analysis identified novel IR-responsive PAK1 targets.
  • Gene Ontology analysis revealed genes involved in cell cycle arrest and cell death.
  • Pathway analysis highlighted the p53 pathway as significantly influenced by IR-responsive PAK1 targets, with overrepresentation of transcription factors and networks in DNA replication, repair, and signaling.

Conclusions:

  • This study provides the first genome-wide analysis of PAK1 targets in response to IR.
  • Novel PAK1-dependent IR-responsive genes were identified, offering new perspectives on PAK1 biology in DNA damage response.
  • PAK1 influences genes critical for cellular processes such as cell cycle arrest, cell death, DNA repair, and signaling pathways like p53.

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