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p21-Activated Kinases in Thyroid Cancer.
Luis Bautista1, Christina M Knippler1,2, Matthew D Ringel1
1Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, and Cancer Biology Program, The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio.
Endocrinology
|July 2, 2020
Summary
p21-activated kinases (PAKs) are oncogenic proteins crucial for cell functions and cancer progression. This review details PAK structure, function, and their role in cancers like thyroid cancer.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- p21-activated kinases (PAKs) are oncogenic proteins regulating key cellular processes.
- PAKs are involved in multiple signaling pathways, including integrin/CDC42/Rho, ERK/MAPK, PI3K/AKT, NF-κB, and Wnt/β-catenin.
- PAKs function as both kinases and scaffolds, impacting cell motility, mitosis, proliferation, and cytoskeletal rearrangement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on the structure and biological functions of Group I and Group II PAKs.
- To discuss the role of PAKs in oncogenesis and cancer progression.
- To highlight the specific involvement of PAKs in thyroid cancer and BRAF/PAK signaling.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on PAKs.
- Analysis of PAK signaling pathways and their regulatory roles.
- Focus on oncogenic functions and implications in cancer, particularly thyroid cancer.
Main Results:
- PAKs are implicated in the development and progression of various cancers, including breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, melanoma, and thyroid cancer.
- PAKs play significant roles in cell motility, cell division, and cell growth.
- Emerging data suggests a link between BRAF and PAK signaling in cancer.
Conclusions:
- PAKs are critical regulators of cellular functions with significant roles in cancer development and progression.
- Understanding PAK structure and function is vital for cancer research, especially in thyroid cancer.
- Targeting PAK signaling pathways presents a potential therapeutic strategy for various cancers.
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