| Description | PAK4 is part of the group B family of p21-activated kinases (PAK). It's known as an effector protein for cell division cycle 42(Cdc42) and protein that plays an important role in regulating cytoskeletal organization and cell morphology. PAK4 expression is eminent in many cancer cell lines, and is involved in tumorigenesis. PAK proteins are significant effectors that associate Rho GTPases to cytoskeleton reorganization and nuclear signaling. PAK proteins are targets for the small GTP binding proteins Cdc42 and Rac and have been implicated in a wide range of biological activities. PAK4 cooperates specifically with the GTP-bound form of Cdc42Hs and weakly activates the JNK family of MAP kinases. PAK4 is a mediator of filopodia formation and is involved in the reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton. PAK4 activates the JNK pathway. PAK4 phosphorylates and inactivates the protein phosphatase SSH1, leading to increased inhibitory phosphorylation of the actin binding/depolymerizing factor cofilin. Decreased cofilin activity may lead to stabilization of actin filaments Synonyms: PAK-4, p21 (CDKN1A)-Activated Kinase 4, p21-Activated Kinase 4, Serine/threonine-protein kinase PAK 4, KIAA1142, PAK4 |
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