PAK4 Proteins

Protein Information

PAK4 is a serine/ threonine p21 activating kinase implicated in the reorganization of actin cytoskeleton and in the formation of filopodia. They are divided into two groups, the first of which include PAK1, 2 and 3, and can be activated by Cdc42/Rac binding. The second group includes PAK4, 5 and 6. These proteins are not activated by Cdc42/Rac binding. PAK4 was initially identified as a novel effector of Cdc42Hs. Co-expression of PAK4 and Cdc42Hs resulted in induction of filopodia and actin polymerization, showing that it is involved in cytoskeletal reorganization. Other experiments have shown PAK4 to be essential for embryonic viability and proper neuronal development. PAK4 has also been implicated in anchorage-independent growth of tumor cells and is required for activation of several cancer prosurvival pathways.

Synonyms

5730488L07Rik; AW555722; hypothetical protein LOC431769; im:5916170; Kiaa1142; mKIAA1142; p21 (CDKN1A)-activated kinase 4; p21 (RAC1) activated kinase 4; p21 protein (Cdc42/Rac)-activated kinase 4; p21(CDKN1A)-activated kinase 4; p21-activated kinase 4; Pak4; PAK-4; protein kinase related to S. cerevisiae STE20, effector for Cdc42Hs; serine/threonine-protein kinase PAK 4; wu:fd12b01; zgc:92014