P21-activated kinase 1 and 4 were associated with colorectal cancer metastasis and infiltration
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Updated: Apr 16, 2026
A Genetically Engineered Mouse Model of Sporadic Colorectal Cancer
Published on: July 6, 2017
Bao Song1, Wei Wang2, Yan Zheng3
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, China; Department of Basic Laboratory, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Jinan, China.
Background:
P21-activated kinases (PAKs) are small guanosine triphosphate effectors that play critical roles in many fundamental cellular functions, including cytoskeletal reorganization and cell motility. PAKs are widely expressed in a variety of tissues and are often overexpressed in multiple cancer types. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between PAK1 and PAK4 and clinicopathologic features of colorectal cancer.
Methods:
PAK1 and PAK4 expression in colorectal cancer patients were investigated via TaqMan real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry and clinical analysis.
Results:
The relative expression levels of PAK1 and PAK4 gene in colorectal carcinoma tissues were significantly higher than those in normal tissues (P < 0.01). PAK4 expression was higher than PAK1 in the same cancer tissue. The expression of PAK1 and PAK4 increased gradually with the clinical stages in carcinoma tissues (P < 0.01). PAK1 expression was higher in lymph node positive patients, and PAK4 expression was higher in infiltration into serous layer patients (P < 0.05). PAK1 overexpression group has a higher recurrence/metastasis rate compared with that of the PAK1 low expression group. Follow-up analysis showed that the median progression-free survival time of the PAK1 high expression group was significantly shorter than that of the PAK1 low expression group.
Conclusions:
PAK1 and PAK4 expression were associated with colorectal cancer metastasis and infiltration, PAK1 high expression may indicate poor prognosis of colorectal cancer.
Insights
P21-activated kinases (PAKs) like PAK1 and PAK4 are elevated in colorectal cancer, correlating with advanced stages and poorer patient outcomes. High PAK1 expression suggests a worse prognosis, indicating potential therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- P21-activated kinases (PAKs) are crucial effectors regulating cell motility and cytoskeleton dynamics.
- PAKs are frequently overexpressed in various cancers, including colorectal cancer.
- This study focuses on the roles of PAK1 and PAK4 in colorectal cancer progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between PAK1 and PAK4 expression and clinicopathological features in colorectal cancer.
- To determine the prognostic significance of PAK1 and PAK4 in colorectal cancer patients.
Main Methods:
- Gene expression analysis using TaqMan real-time polymerase chain reaction.
- Protein expression assessment via immunohistochemistry.
- Correlation analysis with clinical and pathological data.
Main Results:
- PAK1 and PAK4 gene expression were significantly upregulated in colorectal carcinoma compared to normal tissues (P < 0.01).
- PAK4 expression levels were generally higher than PAK1 within the same cancer tissues.
- Expression of both PAK1 and PAK4 increased with advancing clinical stages (P < 0.01), lymph node positivity (PAK1, P < 0.05), and serosal layer infiltration (PAK4, P < 0.05).
- PAK1 overexpression was linked to higher rates of recurrence/metastasis and shorter progression-free survival.
Conclusions:
- PAK1 and PAK4 expression levels are significantly associated with colorectal cancer metastasis and infiltration.
- Elevated PAK1 expression serves as a potential indicator of poor prognosis in colorectal cancer patients.
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