NCBI and Uniprot Product Information
NCBI Description
The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the PAK family of Ser/Thr protein kinases. PAK family members are known to be effectors of Rac/Cdc42 GTPases, which have been implicated in the regulation of cytoskeletal dynamics, proliferation, and cell survival signaling. This kinase contains a CDC42/Rac1 interactive binding (CRIB) motif, and has been shown to bind CDC42 in the presence of GTP. This kinase is predominantly expressed in brain. It is capable of promoting neurite outgrowth, and thus may play a role in neurite development. This kinase is associated with microtubule networks and induces microtubule stabilization. The subcellular localization of this kinase is tightly regulated during cell cycle progression. Alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding the same protein have been described. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]
Uniprot Description
Serine/threonine protein kinase that plays a role in a variety of different signaling pathways including cytoskeleton regulation, cell migration, proliferation or cell survival. Activation by various effectors including growth factor receptors or active CDC42 and RAC1 results in a conformational change and a subsequent autophosphorylation on several serine and/or threonine residues. Phosphorylates the proto-oncogene RAF1 and stimulates its kinase activity. Promotes cell survival by phosphorylating the BCL2 antagonist of cell death BAD. Phosphorylates CTNND1, probably to regulate cytoskeletal organization and cell morphology. Keeps microtubules stable through MARK2 inhibition and destabilizes the F-actin network leading to the disappearance of stress fibers and focal adhesions.