Modulating PAK1: Accessory Proteins as Promising Therapeutic Targets

Biomolecules, vol. 15, pp. 242

Abstract

The p21-activated kinase (PAK1), a serine/threonine protein kinase, is critical in regulating various cellular processes, including muscle contraction, neutrophil chemotaxis, neuronal polarization, and endothelial barrier function. Aberrant PAK1 activity has been implicated in the progression of several human diseases, including cancer, heart disease, and neurological disorders. Increased PAK1 expression is often associated with poor clinical prognosis, invasive tumor characteristics, and therapeutic resistance. Despite its importance, the cellular mechanisms that modulate PAK1 function remain poorly understood. Accessory proteins, essential for the precise assembly and temporal regulation of signaling pathways, offer unique advantages as therapeutic targets. Unlike core signaling components, these modulators can attenuate aberrant signaling without completely abolishing it, potentially restoring signaling to physiological levels. This review highlights PAK1 accessory proteins as promising and novel therapeutic targets, opening new horizons for disease treatment.

Authors 3

1. Amin Mirzaiebadizi

   Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany

2. Rana Shafabakhsh Aachen Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging

   RWTH Aachen University · Universitätsklinikum Aachen

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, 52074 Aachen, Germany

3. Mohammad Reza Ahmadian corresponding

   Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany