The genetics of Pak.
p21-activated kinases (Paks) are a highly conserved family of enzymes that bind to and are activated by small GTPases of the Cdc42 and Rac families. With the notable exception of plants, nearly all eukaryotes encode one or more Pak genes, indicating an ancient origin and important function for this family of enzymes. Genetic approaches in many different experimental systems, ranging from yeast to mice, are beginning to decipher the different functions of Paks. Although some of these functions are unique to a given organism, certain common themes have emerged, such as the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades and the regulation of cytoskeletal structure through effects on the actin and tubulin cytoskeletons.
Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA.
Clemens
C
Hofmann
Mikhail
M
Shepelev
Jonathan
J
Chernoff
D000818:Animals; D018797:Cell Cycle Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D003599:Cytoskeleton / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D020928:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / Q000378:metabolism*; D017346:Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / Q000378:metabolism*; D012441:Saccharomyces cerevisiae / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology*; D020764:cdc42 GTP-Binding Protein / Q000378:metabolism*; D054462:p21-Activated Kinases; D020744:rac GTP-Binding Proteins / Q000378:metabolism
D018797:Cell Cycle Proteins; D017346:Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases; D054462:p21-Activated Kinases; D020928:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases; D020764:cdc42 GTP-Binding Protein; D020744:rac GTP-Binding Proteins