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Updated: May 3, 2026

Characterize Disease-related Mutants of RAF Family Kinases by Using a Set of Practical and Feasible Methods
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Published on: July 17, 2019

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Role of p-21-activated kinases in cancer progression

Helen King1, Nicole S Nicholas1, Claire M Wells1

  • 1Division of Cancer Studies, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.

International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology
|February 18, 2014
PubMed

Insights

p-21-activated kinases (PAKs) are crucial in cancer progression. This review covers PAKs

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • p-21-activated kinases (PAKs) are downstream effectors of Rho GTPases Rac and Cdc42.
  • The PAK family comprises six members, divided into Group I (PAK1-3) and Group II (PAK4-6).
  • Group I PAKs are well-researched, with growing interest in Group II PAKs' functions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of PAK family kinases in cancer progression.
  • To explore established and recent data linking PAKs to cancer hallmarks.
  • To discuss therapeutic targeting of PAKs and associated challenges.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of established and recent research data.
  • Analysis of expression profiles, apoptosis evasion, cell survival, and invasion.
  • Discussion of current therapeutic strategies and obstacles.

Main Results:

  • PAKs are implicated in various cellular processes vital to cancer progression.
  • Specific roles include regulating expression profiles, promoting cell survival, and facilitating invasion.
  • PAKs contribute to cancer cells evading apoptosis.

Conclusions:

  • The PAK family plays a significant role in cancer progression.
  • Targeting PAKs presents a potential therapeutic strategy.
  • Overcoming obstacles in PAK-targeted therapy is crucial for clinical success.
Keywords:
Actin cytoskeletonApoptosisCell invasionCell survivalLIM kinaseMetastasisp-21-activated kinase

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