Signaling, Regulation, and Specificity of the Type II p21-activated Kinases

PAK6-mediated phosphorylation of PPP2R2C regulates LRRK2-PP2A complex formation

Mutations in leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) are a common cause of inherited and sporadic Parkinson's disease (PD) and previous work suggests that dephosphorylation of LRRK2 at a cluster of heterologous phosphosites is associated to disease. We have previously reported subunits of the PP1 and PP2A classes of phosphatases as well as the PAK6 kinase as regulators of LRRK2 dephosphorylation. We therefore hypothesized that PAK6 may have a functional link with LRRK2's phosphatases. To investigate this, we used PhosTag gel electrophoresis with purified proteins and found that PAK6 phosphorylates the PP2A regulatory subunit PPP2R2C at position S381. While S381 phosphorylation did not affect PP2A holoenzyme formation, a S381A phosphodead PPP2R2C showed impaired binding to LRRK2. Also, PAK6 kinase activity changed PPP2R2C subcellular localization in a S381 phosphorylation-dependent manner. Finally, PAK6-mediated dephosphorylation of LRRK2 was unaffected by phosphorylation of PPP2R2C at S381, suggesting that the previously reported mechanism whereby PAK6-mediated phosphorylation of 14-3-3 proteins promotes 14-3-3-LRRK2 complex dissociation and consequent exposure of LRRK2 phosphosites for dephosphorylation is dominant. Taken together, we conclude that PAK6-mediated phosphorylation of PPP2R2C influences the recruitment of PPP2R2C to the LRRK2 complex and PPP2R2C subcellular localization, pointing to an additional mechanism in the fine-tuning of LRRK2 phosphorylation.

HPV E7-drived ALKBH5 promotes cervical cancer progression by modulating m6A modification of PAK5

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a causative agent of cervical cancer (CC). N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is implicated in carcinogenesis and tumor progression. However, the involvement of m6A modification in HPV-involved CC remains unclear. Here we showed that HPV E6/7 oncoproteins affected the global m6A modification and E7 specifically promoted the expression of ALKBH5. We found that ALKBH5 was significantly upregulated in CC and might serve as a valuable prognostic marker. Forced expression of ALKBH5 enhanced the malignant phenotypes of CC cells. Mechanistically, we discovered that E7 increased ALKBH5 expression through E2F1-mediated activation of the H3K27Ac and H3K4Me3 histone modifications, as well as post-translational modification mediated by DDX3. ALKBH5-mediated m6A demethylation enhanced the expression of PAK5. The m6A reader YTHDF2 bound to PAK5 mRNA and regulated its stability in an m6A-dependent manner. Moreover, ALKBH5 promoted tumorigenesis and metastasis of CC by regulating PAK5. Overall, our findings herein demonstrate a significant role of ALKBH5 in CC progression in HPV-positive cells. Thus, we propose that ALKBH5 may serve as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for CC patients.

Targeting P21-Activated Kinase-1 for Metastatic Prostate Cancer

Metastatic prostate cancer (mPCa) has limited therapeutic options and a high mortality rate. The p21-activated kinase (PAK) family of proteins is important in cell survival, proliferation, and motility in physiology, and pathologies such as infectious, inflammatory, vascular, and neurological diseases as well as cancers. Group-I PAKs (PAK1, PAK2, and PAK3) are involved in the regulation of actin dynamics and thus are integral for cell morphology, adhesion to the extracellular matrix, and cell motility. They also play prominent roles in cell survival and proliferation. These properties make group-I PAKs a potentially important target for cancer therapy. In contrast to normal prostate and prostatic epithelial cells, group-I PAKs are highly expressed in mPCA and PCa tissue. Importantly, the expression of group-I PAKs is proportional to the Gleason score of the patients. While several compounds have been identified that target group-I PAKs and these are active in cells and mice, and while some inhibitors have entered human trials, as of yet, none have been FDA-approved. Probable reasons for this lack of translation include issues related to selectivity, specificity, stability, and efficacy resulting in side effects and/or lack of efficacy. In the current review, we describe the pathophysiology and current treatment guidelines of PCa, present group-I PAKs as a potential druggable target to treat mPCa patients, and discuss the various ATP-competitive and allosteric inhibitors of PAKs. We also discuss the development and testing of a nanotechnology-based therapeutic formulation of group-I PAK inhibitors and its significant potential advantages as a novel, selective, stable, and efficacious mPCa therapeutic over other PCa therapeutics in the pipeline.

Proximity proteomics identifies septins and PAK2 as decisive regulators of actomyosin-mediated expulsion of von Willebrand factor

In response to tissue injury, within seconds the ultra-large glycoprotein von Willebrand factor (VWF) is released from endothelial storage organelles (Weibel-Palade bodies) into the lumen of the blood vasculature, where it leads to the recruitment of platelets. The marked size of VWF multimers represents an unprecedented burden on the secretory machinery of endothelial cells (ECs). ECs have evolved mechanisms to overcome this, most notably an actomyosin ring that forms, contracts, and squeezes out its unwieldy cargo. Inhibiting the formation or function of these structures represents a novel therapeutic target for thrombotic pathologies, although characterizing proteins associated with such a dynamic process has been challenging. We have combined APEX2 proximity labeling with an innovative dual loss-of-function screen to identify proteins associated with actomyosin ring function. We show that p21 activated kinase 2 (PAK2) recruits septin hetero-oligomers, a molecular interaction that forms a ring around exocytic sites. This cascade of events controls actomyosin ring function, aiding efficient exocytic release. Genetic or pharmacological inhibition of PAK2 or septins led to inefficient release of VWF and a failure to form platelet-catching strings. This new molecular mechanism offers additional therapeutic targets for the control of thrombotic disease and is highly relevant to other secretory systems that employ exocytic actomyosin machinery.

The role of the miR-4306/PAK6 axis in degenerative nucleus pulposus cells in human intervertebral disc degeneration

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD), characterized by degenerative changes that occur in intervertebral discs due to aging or structural injury, is thought to be the most common cause of lower back pain. Recent studies have shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) have a critical role in the etiopathogenesis of IDD. In the current study, we aimed to determine the role of miRNAs in mediating the underlying mechanisms associated with IDD. First, differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) were identified using the GEO database, and subsequently confirmed by RT-qPCR and in situ hybridization. We found that miR-4306 expression was significantly decreased in human nucleus pulposus (NP) tissues compared with healthy controls, and was negatively correlated with the patients' Pfirrmann grade. To determine the mechanism by which miR-4306 was involved in IDD pathogenesis, we examined the effects of overexpressing or silencing miR-4306 on extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis/degradation, proliferation, autophagy and apoptosis of human degenerated NP cells isolated from IDD patients. Next, we used dual-luciferase reporter assays to demonstrate that miR-4306 interacted with the 3'-untranslated regions of p21-activated kinase 6 (PAK6) mRNA, resulting in significant suppression of PAK6 expression. This effect was abolished by miR-4306 binding site mutations. Using miR-4306/PAK6 gain-of-function and loss-of-function studies in human degenerated NP cells, we demonstrated that miR-4306 promoted NP cell proliferation, ECM synthesis and autophagy, while inhibiting apoptosis and ECM degradation via PAK6. Thus, our findings indicate that miR-4306, acting via PAK6, has an important role in IDD and can be used as a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of patients with IDD.

Rho family GTPase signaling through type II p21-activated kinases

Signaling from the Rho family small GTPases controls a wide range of signaling outcomes. Key among the downstream effectors for many of the Rho GTPases are the p21-activated kinases, or PAK group. The PAK family comprises two types, the type I PAKs (PAK1, 2 and 3) and the type II PAKs (PAK4, 5 and 6), which have distinct structures and mechanisms of regulation. In this review, we discuss signal transduction from Rho GTPases with a focus on the type II PAKs. We discuss the role of PAKs in signal transduction pathways and selectivity of Rho GTPases for PAK family members. We consider the less well studied of the Rho GTPases and their PAK-related signaling. We then discuss the molecular basis for kinase domain recognition of substrates and for regulation of signaling. We conclude with a discussion of the role of PAKs in cross talk between Rho family small GTPases and the roles of PAKs in disease.

Molecular basis for integrin adhesion receptor binding to p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4)

Integrin adhesion receptors provide links between extracellular ligands and cytoplasmic signaling. Multiple kinases have been found to directly engage with integrin β tails, but the molecular basis for these interactions remain unknown. Here, we assess the interaction between the kinase domain of p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4) and the cytoplasmic tail of integrin β5. We determine three crystal structures of PAK4-β5 integrin complexes and identify the PAK-binding site. This is a region in the membrane-proximal half of the β5 tail and confirmed by site-directed mutagenesis. The β5 tail engages the kinase substrate-binding groove and positions the non-phosphorylatable integrin residue Glu767 at the phosphoacceptor site. Consistent with this, integrin β5 is poorly phosphorylated by PAK4, and in keeping with its ability to occlude the substrate-binding site, weakly inhibits kinase activity. These findings demonstrate the molecular basis for β5 integrin-PAK4 interactions but suggest modifications in understanding the potential cellular role of this interaction.

Pak2-mediated phosphorylation promotes RORγt ubiquitination and inhibits colonic inflammation

Dysregulated interleukin-17 (IL-17) expression and its downstream signaling is strongly linked to inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). However, the molecular mechanisms by which the function of RORγt, the transcription factor of IL-17, is regulated remains elusive. By a mass spectrometry-based approach, we identify that Pak2, a serine (S)/threonine (T) kinase, directly associates with RORγt. Pak2 recognizes a conserved KRLS motif within RORγt and phosphorylates the S-316 within this motif. Genetic deletion of Pak2 in Th17 cells reduces RORγt phosphorylation, increases IL-17 expression, and induces severe colitis upon adoptive transfer to Rag1^−/− mice. Similarly, reconstitution of RORγt-S316A mutant in Rorc^−/− Th17 cells enhances IL-17 expression and colitis severity. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that Pak2-mediated phosphorylation causes a conformational change resulting in exposure of the ubiquitin ligase Itch interacting PPLY motif and degradation of RORγt. Thus, we have uncovered a mechanism by which the activity of RORγt is regulated that can be exploited therapeutically.

Kathania et al. show that Pak2, a Ser/Thr kinase, associates with RORγt and phosphorylates Ser-316 of RORγt. Deletion of Pak2 in Th17 cells enhances IL-17 expression and colitis severity. Pak2-mediated phosphorylation causes a conformational change resulting in increased ubiquitination of RORγt by the E3 ubiquitin ligase Itch.

Recent advances on development of p21-activated kinase 4 inhibitors as anti-tumor agents

The p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4) is a member of the PAKs family. It is overexpressed in multiple tumor tissues. Pharmacological inhibition of PAK4 attenuates proliferation, migration, and invasion of cancer cells. Recent studies revealed that inhibition of PAK4 sensitizes immunotherapy which has been extensively exploited as a new strategy to treat cancer. In the past few years, a large number of PAK4 inhibitors have been reported. Of note, the allosteric inhibitor KPT-9274 has been tested in phase Ⅰ clinic trials. Herein, we provide an update on recent research progress on the PAK4 mediated signaling pathway and highlight the development of the PAK4 small molecular inhibitors in recent 5 years. Meanwhile, challenges, limitations, and future developmental directions will be discussed as well.

The early molecular events leading to COFILIN phosphorylation during mouse sperm capacitation are essential for acrosomal exocytosis

The actin cytoskeleton reorganization during sperm capacitation is essential for the occurrence of acrosomal exocytosis (AR) in several mammalian species. Here, we demonstrate that in mouse sperm, within the first minutes of exposure upon capacitating conditions, the activity of RHOA/C and RAC1 is essential for LIMK1 and COFILIN phosphorylation. However, we observed that the signaling pathway involving RAC1 and PAK4 is the main player in controlling actin polymerization in the sperm head necessary for the occurrence of AR. Moreover, we show that the transient phosphorylation of COFILIN is also influenced by the Slingshot family of protein phosphatases (SSH1). The activity of SSH1 is regulated by the dual action of two pathways. On one hand, RHOA/C and RAC1 activity promotes SSH1 phosphorylation (inactivation). On the other hand, the activating dephosphorylation is driven by okadaic acid-sensitive phosphatases. This regulatory mechanism is independent of the commonly observed activating mechanisms involving PP2B and emerges as a new finely tuned modulation that is, so far, exclusively observed in mouse sperm. However, persistent phosphorylation of COFILIN by SSH1 inhibition or okadaic acid did not altered actin polymerization and the AR. Altogether, our results highlight the role of small GTPases in modulating actin dynamics required for AR.

Cdc42/Rac Interactive Binding Containing Effector Proteins in Unicellular Protozoans With Reference to Human Host: Locks of the Rho Signaling

Small GTPases are the key to actin cytoskeleton signaling, which opens the lock of effector proteins to forward the signal downstream in several cellular pathways. Actin cytoskeleton assembly is associated with cell polarity, adhesion, movement and other functions in eukaryotic cells. Rho proteins, specifically Cdc42 and Rac, are the primary regulators of actin cytoskeleton dynamics in higher and lower eukaryotes. Effector proteins, present in an inactive state gets activated after binding to the GTP bound Cdc42/Rac to relay a signal downstream. Cdc42/Rac interactive binding (CRIB) motif is an essential conserved sequence found in effector proteins to interact with Cdc42 or Rac. A diverse range of Cdc42/Rac and their effector proteins have evolved from lower to higher eukaryotes. The present study has identified and further classified CRIB containing effector proteins in lower eukaryotes, focusing on parasitic protozoans causing neglected tropical diseases and taking human proteins as a reference point to the highest evolved organism in the evolutionary trait. Lower eukaryotes’ CRIB containing proteins fall into conventional effector molecules, PAKs (p21 activated kinase), Wiskoit-Aldrich Syndrome proteins family, and some have unique domain combinations unlike any known proteins. We also highlight the correlation between the effector protein isoforms and their selective specificity for Cdc42 or Rac proteins during evolution. Here, we report CRIB containing effector proteins; ten in Dictyostelium and Entamoeba, fourteen in Acanthamoeba, one in Trypanosoma and Giardia. CRIB containing effector proteins that have been studied so far in humans are potential candidates for drug targets in cancer, neurological disorders, and others. Conventional CRIB containing proteins from protozoan parasites remain largely elusive and our data provides their identification and classification for further in-depth functional validations. The tropical diseases caused by protozoan parasites lack combinatorial drug targets as effective paradigms. Targeting signaling mechanisms operative in these pathogens can provide greater molecules in combatting their infections.

Neurobiology: Resetting the axon's batteries

Neuronal injury can cause mitochondrial damage, leading to reduced energy production, decreased Ca²⁺ storage capacity, and increased reactive oxygen species. A new study reveals a mechanism to trigger the axonal transport of previously anchored mitochondria and promote neuroprotection and axon regeneration by replacing damaged with functional mitochondria.

PAK5-mediated AIF phosphorylation inhibits its nuclear translocation and promotes breast cancer tumorigenesis

Although p21 activated kinase 5 (PAK5) is related to the progression of multiple cancers, its biological function in breast cancer remains unclear. Apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) is a vital apoptosis factor in mitochondria, which can be released from mitochondria and enter the nucleus, causing caspase-independent apoptosis. In this study, we reveal that PAK5 inhibits apoptosis by preventing the nuclear translocation of AIF. PAK5 inhibits the release of AIF from mitochondria in breast cancer cells by decreasing the mitochondria membrane permeability and increasing the membrane potential. Furthermore, PAK5 phosphorylates AIF at Thr281 site to inhibit the formation of AIF/importin α3 complex, leading to decrease AIF nuclear translocation. Functionally, we demonstrate that PAK5-mediated AIF phosphorylation promotes the proliferation of breast cancer cells and accelerates the growth of breast cancer in vivo. Significantly, PAK5 and AIF expression in breast cancer are positively correlated with poor patient prognosis. PAK5 expression is negatively correlated with AIF nuclear translocation. These results suggest that PAK5-AIF signaling pathway may play an essential role in mammary tumorigenesis, providing a new therapeutic target for the treatment of breast cancer.

Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells Ameliorate Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation and Liver Fibrosis by Upregulating MicroRNA-455-3p through Suppression of p21-Activated Kinase-2

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were shown to have potential therapeutic effects for treatment of liver fibrosis, and dysregulated expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) played a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis by regulating their downstream target genes. However, the mechanism by which MSCs affect the progression of liver fibrosis by regulating miRNA expression remains unclear. Here, we investigated whether human umbilical cord MSCs (HUC-MSCs) attenuated hepatic fibrosis by regulating miR-455-3p and its target gene. Significantly upregulated miRNA (miR-455-3p) was screened out by GEO datasets analysis and coculture HUC-MSCs with hepatic stellate cell (HSC) LX-2 cells. p21-activated kinase-2 (PAK2) was forecasted to be the target gene of miR-455-3p by bioinformatics analyses and confirmed by luciferase reporter assay. HUC-MSCs were transplanted into mice with carbon tetrachloride- (CCl₄-) induced liver fibrosis, the result showed that HUC-MSC transplantation significantly ameliorated the severity of CCl₄-induced liver fibrosis, attenuated collagen deposition, improved liver function by reducing the expression of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in serum, upregulated miR-455-3p, and suppressed PAK2 expression of liver tissue in mice. Taken together, our study suggests that HUC-MSCs inhibit the activation of HSCs and mouse CCl₄-induced liver fibrosis by upregulation of miR-455-3p through targeting PAK2.

Recognition of physiological phosphorylation sites by p21-activated kinase 4

Many serine/threonine protein kinases discriminate between serine and threonine substrates as a filter to control signaling output. Among these, the p21-activated kinase (PAK) group strongly favors phosphorylation of Ser over Thr residues. PAK4, a group II PAK, almost exclusively phosphorylates its substrates on serine residues. The only well documented exception is LIM domain kinase 1 (LIMK1), which is phosphorylated on an activation loop threonine (Thr508) to promote its catalytic activity. To understand the molecular and kinetic basis for PAK4 substrate selectivity we compared its mode of recognition of LIMK1 (Thr508) with that of a known serine substrate, β-catenin (Ser675). We determined X-ray crystal structures of PAK4 in complex with synthetic peptides corresponding to its phosphorylation sites in LIMK1 and β-catenin to 1.9 Å and 2.2 Å resolution, respectively. We found that the PAK4 DFG + 1 residue, a key determinant of phosphoacceptor preference, adopts a sub-optimal orientation when bound to LIMK1 compared to β-catenin. In peptide kinase activity assays, we find that phosphoacceptor identity impacts catalytic efficiency but does not affect the K_m value for both phosphorylation sites. Although catalytic efficiency of wild-type LIMK1 and β-catenin are equivalent, T508S mutation of LIMK1 creates a highly efficient substrate. These results suggest suboptimal phosphorylation of LIMK1 as a mechanism for controlling the dynamics of substrate phosphorylation by PAK4.

P21-Activated Kinase 1: Emerging biological functions and potential therapeutic targets in Cancer

The p21-Activated kinase 1 (PAK1), a member of serine-threonine kinases family, was initially identified as an interactor of the Rho GTPases RAC1 and CDC42, which affect a wide range of processes associated with cell motility, survival, metabolism, cell cycle, proliferation, transformation, stress, inflammation, and gene expression. Recently, the PAK1 has emerged as a potential therapeutic target in cancer due to its role in many oncogenic signaling pathways. Many PAK1 inhibitors have been developed as potential preclinical agents for cancer therapy. Here, we provide an overview of essential roles that PAK1 plays in cancer, including its structure and autoactivation mechanism, its crucial function from onset to progression to metastasis, metabolism, immune escape and even drug resistance in cancer; endogenous regulators; and cancer-related pathways. We also summarize the reported PAK1 small-molecule inhibitors based on their structure types and their potential application in cancer. In addition, we provide overviews on current progress and future challenges of PAK1 in cancer, hoping to provide new ideas for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Super-enhancers: A new frontier for glioma treatment

Glioma is the most common primary malignant tumor in the human brain. Although there are a variety of treatments, such as surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, glioma is still an incurable disease. Super-enhancers (SEs) are implicated in the control of tumor cell identity, and they promote oncogenic transcription, which supports tumor cells. Inhibition of the SE complex, which is required for the assembly and maintenance of SEs, may repress oncogenic transcription and impede tumor growth. In this review, we discuss the unique characteristics of SEs compared to typical enhancers, and we summarize the recent advances in the understanding of their properties and biological role in gene regulation. Additionally, we highlight that SE-driven lncRNAs, miRNAs and genes are involved in the malignant phenotype of glioma. Most importantly, the application of SE inhibitors in different cancer subtypes has introduced new directions in glioma treatment.

Mitochondrial PAK6 inhibits prostate cancer cell apoptosis via the PAK6-SIRT4-ANT2 complex

Rationale: P21-activated kinase 6 (PAK6) is a member of the class II PAKs family, which is a conserved family of serine/threonine kinases. Although the effects of PAK6 on many malignancies, especially in prostate cancer, have been studied for a long time, the role of PAK6 in mitochondria remains unknown. Methods: The expression of PAK6, SIRT4 and ANT2 in prostate cancer and adjacent non-tumor tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry. Immunofuorescence and immunoelectron microscopy were used to determine the subcellular localization of PAK6. Immunoprecipitation, immunofuorescence and ubiquitination assays were performed to determine how PAK6 regulates SIRT4, how SIRT4 regulates ANT2, and how PAK6 regulates ANT2. Flow cytometry detection and xenograft models were used to evaluate the impact of ANT2 mutant expression on the prostate cancer cell cycle and apoptosis regulation. Results: The present study revealed that the PAK6-SIRT4-ANT2 complex is involved in mitochondrial apoptosis in prostate cancer cells. It was found that PAK6 is mainly located in the mitochondrial inner membrane, in which PAK6 promotes SIRT4 ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis. Furthermore, SIRT4 deprives the ANT2 acetylation at K105 to promote its ubiquitination degradation. Hence, PAK6 adjusts the acetylation level of ANT2 through the PAK6-SIRT4-ANT2 pathway, in order to regulate the stability of ANT2. Meanwhile, PAK6 directly phosphorylates ANT2 atT107 to inhibit the apoptosis of prostate cancer cells. Therefore, the phosphorylation and deacetylation modifications of ANT2 are mutually regulated, leading to tumor growth in vivo. Consistently, these clinical prostate cancer tissue evaluations reveal that PAK6 is positively correlated with ANT2 expression, but negatively correlated with SIRT4. Conclusion: These present findings suggest the pivotal role of the PAK6-SIRT4-ANT2 complex in the apoptosis of prostate cancer. This complex could be a potential biomarker for the treatment and prognosis of prostate cancer.

Serine phosphorylation of the small phosphoprotein ICAP1 inhibits its nuclear accumulation

Nuclear accumulation of the small phosphoprotein integrin cytoplasmic domain-associated protein-1 (ICAP1) results in recruitment of its binding partner, Krev/Rap1 interaction trapped-1 (KRIT1), to the nucleus. KRIT1 loss is the most common cause of cerebral cavernous malformation, a neurovascular dysplasia resulting in dilated, thin-walled vessels that tend to rupture, increasing the risk for hemorrhagic stroke. KRIT1's nuclear roles are unknown, but it is known to function as a scaffolding or adaptor protein at cell-cell junctions and in the cytosol, supporting normal blood vessel integrity and development. As ICAP1 controls KRIT1 subcellular localization, presumably influencing KRIT1 function, in this work, we investigated the signals that regulate ICAP1 and, hence, KRIT1 nuclear localization. ICAP1 contains a nuclear localization signal within an unstructured, N-terminal region that is rich in serine and threonine residues, several of which are reportedly phosphorylated. Using quantitative microscopy, we revealed that phosphorylation-mimicking substitutions at Ser-10, or to a lesser extent at Ser-25, within this N-terminal region inhibit ICAP1 nuclear accumulation. Conversely, phosphorylation-blocking substitutions at these sites enhanced ICAP1 nuclear accumulation. We further demonstrate that p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4) can phosphorylate ICAP1 at Ser-10 both in vitro and in cultured cells and that active PAK4 inhibits ICAP1 nuclear accumulation in a Ser-10-dependent manner. Finally, we show that ICAP1 phosphorylation controls nuclear localization of the ICAP1-KRIT1 complex. We conclude that serine phosphorylation within the ICAP1 N-terminal region can prevent nuclear ICAP1 accumulation, providing a mechanism that regulates KRIT1 localization and signaling, potentially influencing vascular development.

PB-10, a thiazolo[4,5-d] pyrimidine derivative, targets p21-activated kinase 4 in human colorectal cancer cells

Targeting p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4) is a potential therapeutic strategy against human colorectal cancer (CRC). In this study, we synthesized a series of novel thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidine derivatives (PB-1-12) and identified PB-10 (PAK4 IC₅₀ = 15.12 μM) as a potential and potent PAK4 inhibitor. Our results showed that PB-10 significantly suppressed the proliferation and colony formation of human CRC cells. PB-10 also arrested HCT-116 CRC cells at sub G0/G1 phase while promoting the expression of proapoptotic proteins. In addition, PB-10 inhibited migration, invasion, and adhesion as well as the PAK4 downstream signaling pathway in HCT-116 cells. Molecular docking analysis showed possible binding modes between PB-10 and PAK4. Our study provides a novel compound that may block the PAK4 signaling in CRC cells.

PAK4, a target of miR-9-5p, promotes cell proliferation and inhibits apoptosis in colorectal cancer

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. P21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4) and miR-9-5p have emerged as attractive therapeutic targets in several tumor types, but in CRC, the regulation of their biological function and their target association remain unclear.

Methods

The expression of PAK4 in CRC tissues was determined using quantitative real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry analyses. The targeted regulation between miR-9-5p and PAK4 was predicted and confirmed with bioinformatics analysis and the dual-luciferase reporter assay. Functional experiments, including the MTT assay and flow cytometry, were performed to investigate the impact of PAK4 knockdown and miR-9-5p overexpression on cell proliferation and apoptosis in CRC cells.

Results

We found that the expression of PAK4 was upregulated in CRC tissues. PAK4 knockdown significantly suppressed cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis in cells of the CRC cell lines HCT116 and SW1116. We also found that miR-9-5p directly targeted the 3′-UTR of PAK4 mRNA and negatively regulated its expression. The degree of downregulation of miR-9-5p inversely correlated with PAK4 expression. Intriguingly, enforced expression of miR-9-5p suppressed cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis. This could be partially reversed by PAK4 overexpression.

Conclusion

These results suggest that miR-9-5p targeting of PAK4 could have therapeutic potential for CRC treatment.

miR‑489 promotes apoptosis and inhibits invasiveness of glioma cells by targeting PAK5/RAF1 signaling pathways

Glioma patients receiving therapy are at a high risk of relapse and rapid progression and, thus, more effective treatments are required. The aim of the present study was to determine the suppressive role of miR-489 as an alternative therapeutic target for preventing glioma progression. The results of the present study demonstrated that patients with relatively lower levels of expression of miR-489 had more favorable clinical outcomes. Furthermore, miR-489 expression was inversely correlated with p21-activated kinase 5 (PAK5) mRNA expression levels in glioma specimens. A dual luciferase reporter assay revealed that miR-489 suppressed PAK5 expression by directly targeting the PAK5 3′-untranslated region. The effects of miR-489 on cell viability were measured using MTT and Cell Counting Kit-8 assays. The results demonstrated that ectopic expression of miR-489 mimic decreased cell viability by interfering with cyclin D1 and c-Myc signaling. Additionally, the effect of miR-489 on apoptosis was determined using Hoechst 33258 staining and flow cytometry. The results demonstrated that miR-489 decreased the activity of RAF1, reduced Bcl-2 and promoted Bax expression, resulting in increased cell apoptosis. Furthermore, the effect of miR-489 mimic on cellular motility was assessed using migration and invasion assays. miR-489 was shown to abolish the PAK5/RAF1/MMP2 pathway, resulting in decreased cell invasion ability. These results indicated that miR-489 may be involved in PAK5-mediated regulation of glioma progression, demonstrating the potential therapeutic benefits of targeting miR-489 in glioma.

Regulation of Rho GTPases by RhoGDIs in Human Cancers

Rho GDP dissociation inhibitors (RhoGDIs) play important roles in various cellular processes, including cell migration, adhesion, and proliferation, by regulating the functions of the Rho GTPase family. Dissociation of Rho GTPases from RhoGDIs is necessary for their spatiotemporal activation and is dynamically regulated by several mechanisms, such as phosphorylation, sumoylation, and protein interaction. The expression of RhoGDIs has changed in many human cancers and become associated with the malignant phenotype, including migration, invasion, metastasis, and resistance to anticancer agents. Here, we review how RhoGDIs control the function of Rho GTPases by regulating their spatiotemporal activity and describe the regulatory mechanisms of the dissociation of Rho GTPases from RhoGDIs. We also discuss the role of RhoGDIs in cancer progression and their potential uses for therapeutic intervention.

The subcellular localization of type I p21-activated kinases is controlled by the disordered variable region and polybasic sequences

p21-activated kinases (PAKs) are serine/threonine kinase effectors of the small GTPases Rac and Cdc42 and major participants in cell adhesion, motility, and survival. Type II PAKs (PAK4, -5, and -6) are recruited to cell-cell boundaries, where they regulate adhesion dynamics and colony escape. In contrast, the type I PAK, PAK1, does not localize to cell-cell contacts. We have now found that the other type I PAKs (PAK2 and PAK3) also fail to target to cell-cell junctions. PAKs contain extensive similarities in sequence and domain organization; therefore, focusing on PAK1 and PAK6, we used chimeras and truncation mutants to investigate their differences in localization. We observed that a weakly conserved sequence region (the variable region), located between the Cdc42-binding CRIB domain and the kinase domain, inhibits PAK1 targeting to cell-cell junctions. Accordingly, substitution of the PAK1 variable region with that from PAK6 or removal of this region of PAK1 resulted in its localization to cell-cell contacts. We further show that Cdc42 binding is required, but not sufficient, to direct PAKs to cell-cell contacts and that an N-terminal polybasic sequence is necessary for PAK1 recruitment to cell-cell contacts, but only if the variable region-mediated inhibition is released. We propose that all PAKs contain cell-cell boundary-targeting motifs but that the variable region prevents type I PAK accumulation at junctions. This highlights the importance of this poorly conserved, largely disordered region in PAK regulation and raises the possibility that variable region inhibition may be released by cellular signals.

Detection of the steroid receptor interacting protein, PAK6, in a neuronal cell line

PAK6 is a Group II p21 activated kinase that unlike traditional signal transduction proteins interacts with multiple binding partners including sex-steroid receptors. PAK6 acts as a nodal checkpoint integrating multiple cellular inputs to promote distinct cellular outcomes, some of which are associated with cytoskeletal remodeling. Despite the possibility that PAK6 may couple sex-specific neuronal function and therefore serve as a valuable research, diagnostic and therapeutic target, there is currently no standardized protocol for assessing PAK6 activity in a neuronal cell line. Here, we present a protocol for assessing PAK6 levels in a commonly used neuronal cell line, PC-12. In comparison with other methodology, this approach (1) does not require ex-planted tissue to identify PAK6 in neurons and (2) unlike other protocols which require steroid depleted media for detection of PAK6 in non-neuronal cell lines, such as prostate cancer cell lines, we were easily able to detect PAK6 in PC-12 cells grown in complete, steroid-containing media. Thus the present protocol allows for the efficient detection of native PAK6 in PC-12 cells to expedite targeted basic research of the emerging importance of PAK6 function in the brain as well as to accelerate the identification and isolation of potential therapeutic targets not only in cancerous but brain disease states as well.

Mbt/PAK4 together with SRC modulates N-Cadherin adherens junctions in the developing Drosophila eye

Tissue morphogenesis is accompanied by changes of adherens junctions (AJ). During Drosophila eye development, AJ reorganization includes the formation of isolated N-Cadherin AJ between photoreceptors R3/R4. Little is known about how these N-Cadherin AJ are established and maintained. This study focuses on the kinases Mbt/PAK4 and SRC, both known to alter E-Cadherin AJ across phyla. Drosophila p21-activated kinase Mbt and the non-receptor tyrosine kinases Src64 and Src42 regulate proper N-Cadherin AJ. N-Cadherin AJ elongation depends on SRC kinase activity. Cell culture experiments demonstrate binding of both Drosophila SRC isoforms to N-Cadherin and its subsequent tyrosine phosphorylation. In contrast, Mbt stabilizes but does not bind N-Cadherin in vitro. Mbt is required in R3/R4 for zipping the N-Cadherin AJ between these cells, independent of its kinase activity and Cdc42-binding. The mbt phenotype can be reverted by mutations in Src64 and Src42. Because Mbt neither directly binds to SRC proteins nor has a reproducible influence on their kinase activity, the conclusion is that Mbt and SRC signaling converge on N-Cadherin. N-Cadherin AJ formation during eye development requires a proper balance between the promoting effects of Mbt and the inhibiting influences of SRC kinases.

Summary: N-Cadherin adherens junction formation in the Drosophila larval eye imaginal disc is controlled by the combined functions of the p21-activated kinase Mbt/PAK4 and the kinases Src64 and Src42.

Comprehensive profiling of the STE20 kinase family defines features essential for selective substrate targeting and signaling output

Specificity within protein kinase signaling cascades is determined by direct and indirect interactions between kinases and their substrates. While the impact of localization and recruitment on kinase-substrate targeting can be readily assessed, evaluating the relative importance of direct phosphorylation site interactions remains challenging. In this study, we examine the STE20 family of protein serine-threonine kinases to investigate basic mechanisms of substrate targeting. We used peptide arrays to define the phosphorylation site specificity for the majority of STE20 kinases and categorized them into four distinct groups. Using structure-guided mutagenesis, we identified key specificity-determining residues within the kinase catalytic cleft, including an unappreciated role for the kinase β3-αC loop region in controlling specificity. Exchanging key residues between the STE20 kinases p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4) and Mammalian sterile 20 kinase 4 (MST4) largely interconverted their phosphorylation site preferences. In cells, a reprogrammed PAK4 mutant, engineered to recognize MST substrates, failed to phosphorylate PAK4 substrates or to mediate remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton. In contrast, this mutant could rescue signaling through the Hippo pathway in cells lacking multiple MST kinases. These observations formally demonstrate the importance of catalytic site specificity for directing protein kinase signal transduction pathways. Our findings further suggest that phosphorylation site specificity is both necessary and sufficient to mediate distinct signaling outputs of STE20 kinases and imply broad applicability to other kinase signaling systems.

Cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase A and EPAC mediate VIP and secretin stimulation of PAK4 and activation of Na+,K+-ATPase in pancreatic acinar cells

Rat pancreatic acinar cells possess only the p21-activated kinase (PAKs), PAK4 of the group II PAK, and it is activated by gastrointestinal hormones/neurotransmitters stimulating PLC and by a number of growth factors. However, little is known generally of cAMP agents causing PAK4 activation, and there are no studies with gastrointestinal hormones/neurotransmitters activating cAMP cascades. In the present study, we examined the ability of VIP and secretin, which stimulate cAMP generation in pancreatic acini, to stimulate PAK4 activation, the signaling cascades involved, and their possible role in activating sodium-potassium adenosine triphosphatase (Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase). PAK4 activation was compared with activation of the well-established cAMP target, cyclic AMP response element binding protein (CREB). Secretin-stimulated PAK4 activation was inhibited by KT-5720 and PKA Type II inhibitor (PKI), protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitors, whereas VIP activation was inhibited by ESI-09 and HJC0197, exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (EPAC) inhibitors. In contrast, both VIP/secretin-stimulated phosphorylation of CREB (pCREB) via EPAC activation; however, it was inhibited by the p44/42 inhibitor PD98059 and the p38 inhibitor SB202190. The specific EPAC agonist 8-CPT-2- O-Me-cAMP as well 8-Br-cAMP and forskolin stimulated PAK4 activation. Secretin/VIP activation of Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase, was inhibited by PAK4 inhibitors (PF-3758309, LCH-7749944). These results demonstrate PAK4 is activated in pancreatic acini by stimulation of both VIP-/secretin-preferring receptors, as is CREB. However, they differ in their signaling cascades. Furthermore, PAK4 activation is needed for Na⁺,K⁺ATPase activation, which mediates pancreatic fluid secretion. These results, coupled with recent studies reporting PAKs are involved in both pancreatitis/pancreatic cancer growth/enzyme secretion, show that PAK4, similar to PAK2, likely plays an important role in both pancreatic physiological/pathological responses. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Pancreatic acini possess only the group II p21-activated kinase, PAK4, which is activated by PLC-stimulating agents/growth factors and is important in enzyme-secretion/growth/pancreatitis. Little information exists on cAMP-activating agents stimulating group II PAKs. We studied ability/effect of cyclic AMP-stimulating agents [vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), secretin] on PAK4 activity in rat pancreatic-acini. Both VIP/secretin activated PAK4/CREB, but the cAMP signaling cascades differed for EPAC, MAPK, and PKA pathways. Both hormones require PAK4 activation to stimulate sodium-potassium adenosine triphosphatase activity. This study shows PAK4 plays an important role in VIP-/secretin-stimulated pancreatic fluid secretion and suggests it plays important roles in pancreatic acinar physiological/pathophysiological responses mediated by cAMP-activating agents.

miR-193a-3p inhibition of the Slug activator PAK4 suppresses non-small cell lung cancer aggressiveness via the p53/Slug/L1CAM pathway

L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM) promotes invasiveness and metastasis in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells and is upregulated by the p53-regulated transcription factor Slug. p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4) directly phosphorylates Slug, resulting in pro-malignant Slug stabilization. We hypothesized that microRNA-based negative regulation of PAK4 would reduce L1CAM-induced NSCLC aggressiveness via destabilizing Slug. We found that elevated L1CAM expression was tightly correlated with p53 loss-of-function and reduced NSCLC patient survival. L1CAM suppression reduced NSCLC cell migration and invasiveness in vitro as well as tumor formation and distal metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, p53 restricts L1CAM expression through the β-catenin/Slug pathway, with levels of β-catenin and Slug positively correlating with L1CAM expression in NSCLC tumors. The microRNA miR-193a-3p directly targets PAK4 and suppresses downstream p-Slug and L1CAM expression. Silencing PAK4, Slug, and L1CAM mirrored miR-193a-3p's effects upon the migration and invasiveness of NSCLC cells in vitro. Decreased miR-193a-3p levels correlated with elevated PAK4, p-Slug, and L1CAM levels in NSCLC tumors. Our findings support a model of miR-193a-3p as a suppressor of metastatic disease progression in NSCLC via modulation of the p53/Slug/L1CAM pathway.

Release of transcriptional repression via ErbB2-induced, SUMO-directed phosphorylation of myeloid zinc finger-1 serine 27 activates lysosome redistribution and invasion

HER2/ErbB2 activation turns on transcriptional processes that induce local invasion and lead to systemic metastasis. The early transcriptional changes needed for ErbB2-induced invasion are poorly understood. Here, we link ErbB2 activation to invasion via ErbB2-induced, SUMO-directed phosphorylation of a single serine residue, S27, of the transcription factor myeloid zinc finger-1 (MZF1). Utilizing an antibody against MZF1-pS27, we show that the phosphorylation of S27 correlates significantly (p < 0.0001) with high-level expression of ErbB2 in primary invasive breast tumors. Phosphorylation of MZF1-S27 is an early response to ErbB2 activation and results in increased transcriptional activity of MZF1. It is needed for the ErbB2-induced expression of MZF1 target genes CTSB and PRKCA, and invasion of single-cells from ErbB2-expressing breast cancer spheroids. The phosphorylation of MZF1-S27 is preceded by poly-SUMOylation of K23, which can make S27 accessible to efficient phosphorylation by PAK4. Based on our results, we suggest for an activation mechanism where phosphorylation of MZF1-S27 triggers MZF1 dissociation from its transcriptional repressors such as the CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF). Our findings increase understanding of the regulation of invasive signaling in breast cancer by uncovering a detailed biological mechanism of how ErbB2 activation can rapidly lead to its invasion-promoting target gene expression and invasion.

Estrogen induces cell proliferation by promoting ABCG2-mediated efflux in endometrial cancer cells

Recently, it has reported that overeating of lipid-food has led to increase the amount of estrogen in vivo and the incidence of endometrial carcinomas. It is well-known that ATP-binding cassette transporter sub-family G2 (ABCG2) is highly expressed in cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs possess the ability for differentiation, tumorigenesis, stem cell self-renewal, and the efflux of anti-cancer drug and these abilities affect malignancy of cancer cells. However, little is known about the relationship between the expression of ABCG2 and malignancy of cancer cells. The present study aimed at understanding the regulatory mechanism underlying 17-β-estradiol (E2)-induced cell proliferation under the control of ABCG2. E2 increased cell viability with a peak at 1 μM and facilitated ABCG2 mRNA expression followed by the increase of ABCG2 expression level at plasma membrane. E2-induced cell proliferation was inhibited by reserpine, an inhibitor of ABCG2, and the ABCG2 siRNA treatment. Thus, these results imply that ABCG2 plays an important role in the promotion of E2-induced cell proliferation in Ishikawa cells.

PAK1 regulates ATXN1 levels providing an opportunity to modify its toxicity in spinocerebellar ataxia type 1

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) is caused by the expansion of a trinucleotide repeat that encodes a polyglutamine tract in ataxin-1 (ATXN1). The expanded polyglutamine in ATXN1 increases the protein's stability and results in its accumulation and toxicity. Previous studies have demonstrated that decreasing ATXN1 levels ameliorates SCA1 phenotypes and pathology in mouse models. We rationalized that reducing ATXN1 levels through pharmacological inhibition of its modulators could provide a therapeutic avenue for SCA1. Here, through a forward genetic screen in Drosophila we identified, p21-activated kinase 3 (Pak3) as a modulator of ATXN1 levels. Loss-of-function of fly Pak3 or Pak1, whose mammalian homologs belong to Group I of PAK proteins, reduces ATXN1 levels, and accordingly, improves disease pathology in a Drosophila model of SCA1. Knockdown of PAK1 potently reduces ATXN1 levels in mammalian cells independent of the well-characterized S776 phosphorylation site (known to stabilize ATXN1) thus revealing a novel molecular pathway that regulates ATXN1 levels. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition of PAKs decreases ATXN1 levels in a mouse model of SCA1. To explore the potential of using PAK inhibitors in combination therapy, we combined the pharmacological inhibition of PAK with MSK1, a previously identified modulator of ATXN1, and examined their effects on ATXN1 levels. We found that inhibition of both pathways results in an additive decrease in ATXN1 levels. Together, this study identifies PAK signaling as a distinct molecular pathway that regulates ATXN1 levels and presents a promising opportunity to pursue for developing potential therapeutics for SCA1.

P21-activated kinase 4 in pancreatic acinar cells is activated by numerous gastrointestinal hormones/neurotransmitters and growth factors by novel signaling, and its activation stimulates secretory/growth cascades

p21-activated kinases (PAKs) are highly conserved serine/threonine protein kinases, which are divided into two groups: group-I (PAKs1-3) and group-II (PAKs4-6). In various tissues, Group-II PAKs play important roles in cytoskeletal dynamics and cell growth as well as neoplastic development/progression. However, little is known about Group-II PAK's role in a number of physiological events, including their ability to be activated by gastrointestinal (GI) hormones/neurotransmitters/growth factors (GFs). We used rat pancreatic acini to explore the ability of GI hormones/neurotransmitters/GFs to activate Group-II-PAKs and the signaling cascades involved. Only PAK4 was detected in pancreatic acini. PAK4 was activated by endothelin, secretagogues-stimulating phospholipase C (bombesin, CCK-8, and carbachol), by pancreatic GFs (insulin, insulin-like growth factor 1, hepatocyte growth factor, epidermal growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, and platelet-derived growth factor), and by postreceptor stimulants (12-O-tetradecanoylphobol-13-acetate and A23187 ). CCK-8 activation of PAK4 required both high- and low-affinity CCK1-receptor state activation. It was reduced by PKC-, Src-, p44/42-, or p38-inhibition but not with phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-inhibitors and only minimally by thapsigargin. A protein kinase D (PKD)-inhibitor completely inhibited CCK-8-stimulated PKD-activation; however, stimulated PAK4 phosphorylation was only inhibited by 60%, demonstrating that it is both PKD-dependent and PKD-independent. PF-3758309 and LCH-7749944, inhibitors of PAK4, decreased CCK-8-stimulated PAK4 activation but not PAK2 activation. Each inhibited ERK1/2 activation and amylase release induced by CCK-8 or bombesin. These results show that PAK4 has an important role in modulating signal cascades activated by a number of GI hormones/neurotransmitters/GFs that have been shown to mediate both physiological/pathological responses in acinar cells. Therefore, in addition to the extensive studies on PAK4 in pancreatic cancer, PAK4 should also be considered an important signaling molecule for pancreatic acinar physiological responses and, in the future, should be investigated for a possible role in pancreatic acinar pathophysiological responses, such as in pancreatitis. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study demonstrates that the only Group-II p21-activated kinase (PAK) in rat pancreatic acinar cells is PAK4, and thus differs from islets/pancreatic cancer. Both gastrointestinal hormones/neurotransmitters stimulating PLC and pancreatic growth factors activate PAK4. With cholecystokinin (CCK), activation is PKC-dependent/-independent, requires both CCK1-R affinity states, Src, p42/44, and p38 activation. PAK4 activation is required for CCK-mediated p42/44 activation/amylase release. These results show PAK4 plays an important role in mediating CCK physiological signal cascades and suggest it may be a target in pancreatic acinar diseases besides cancer.

RIT1 controls actin dynamics via complex formation with RAC1/CDC42 and PAK1

RIT1 belongs to the RAS family of small GTPases. Germline and somatic RIT1 mutations have been identified in Noonan syndrome (NS) and cancer, respectively. By using heterologous expression systems and purified recombinant proteins, we identified the p21-activated kinase 1 (PAK1) as novel direct effector of RIT1. We found RIT1 also to directly interact with the RHO GTPases CDC42 and RAC1, both of which are crucial regulators of actin dynamics upstream of PAK1. These interactions are independent of the guanine nucleotide bound to RIT1. Disease-causing RIT1 mutations enhance protein-protein interaction between RIT1 and PAK1, CDC42 or RAC1 and uncouple complex formation from serum and growth factors. We show that the RIT1-PAK1 complex regulates cytoskeletal rearrangements as expression of wild-type RIT1 and its mutant forms resulted in dissolution of stress fibers and reduction of mature paxillin-containing focal adhesions in COS7 cells. This effect was prevented by co-expression of RIT1 with dominant-negative CDC42 or RAC1 and kinase-dead PAK1. By using a transwell migration assay, we show that RIT1 wildtype and the disease-associated variants enhance cell motility. Our work demonstrates a new function for RIT1 in controlling actin dynamics via acting in a signaling module containing PAK1 and RAC1/CDC42, and highlights defects in cell adhesion and migration as possible disease mechanism underlying NS.

Noonan syndrome (NS) belongs to the RASopathies, a group of developmental diseases caused by mutations in genes encoding RAS-MAPK pathway components. Germline mutations in RIT1 have been identified in NS. RIT1 belongs to the RAS superfamily, however, the cellular function of RIT1 remains elusive. We show that RIT1 binds p21-activated kinase 1 (PAK1), an effector of the RHO GTPases RAC1 and CDC42, which are important regulators of cytoskeletal dynamics. NS-associated RIT1 mutants enhance complex formation between RIT1, RAC1/CDC42 and PAK1. Expression of wild-type or mutant forms of RIT1 caused loss of stress fibers and mature focal adhesions and enhanced cell motility. Our data suggest that dysfunction in actin dynamics is a novel aspect in the pathophysiology of RASopathies.

PAK4 crystal structures suggest unusual kinase conformational movements

In order for protein kinases to exchange nucleotide they must open and close their catalytic cleft. These motions are associated with rotations of the N-lobe, predominantly around the 'hinge region'. We conducted an analysis of 28 crystal structures of the serine-threonine kinase, p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4), including three newly determined structures in complex with staurosporine, FRAX486, and fasudil (HA-1077). We find an unusual motion between the N-lobe and C-lobe of PAK4 that manifests as a partial unwinding of helix αC. Principal component analysis of the crystal structures rationalizes these movements into three major states, and analysis of the kinase hydrophobic spines indicates concerted movements that create an accessible back pocket cavity. The conformational changes that we observe for PAK4 differ from previous descriptions of kinase motions, and although we observe these differences in crystal structures there is the possibility that the movements observed may suggest a diversity of kinase conformational changes associated with regulation.

AUTHOR SUMMARY

Protein kinases are key signaling proteins, and are important drug targets, therefore understanding their regulation is important for both basic research and clinical points of view. In this study, we observe unusual conformational 'hinging' for protein kinases. Hinging, the opening and closing of the kinase sub-domains to allow nucleotide binding and release, is critical for proper kinase regulation and for targeted drug discovery. We determine new crystal structures of PAK4, an important Rho-effector kinase, and conduct analyses of these and previously determined structures. We find that PAK4 crystal structures can be classified into specific conformational groups, and that these groups are associated with previously unobserved hinging motions and an unusual conformation for the kinase hydrophobic core. Our findings therefore indicate that there may be a diversity of kinase hinging motions, and that these may indicate different mechanisms of regulation.

CDC42 binds PAK4 via an extended GTPase-effector interface

The p21-activated kinase (PAK) group of serine/threonine kinases are downstream effectors of RHO GTPases and play important roles in regulation of the actin cytoskeleton, cell growth, survival, polarity, and development. Here we probe the interaction of the type II PAK, PAK4, with RHO GTPases. Using solution scattering we find that the full-length PAK4 heterodimer with CDC42 adopts primarily a compact organization. X-ray crystallography reveals the molecular nature of the interaction between PAK4 and CDC42 and shows that in addition to the canonical PAK4 CDC42/RAC interactive binding (CRIB) domain binding to CDC42 there are unexpected contacts involving the PAK4 kinase C-lobe, CDC42, and the PAK4 polybasic region. These additional interactions modulate kinase activity and increase the binding affinity of CDC42 for full-length PAK4 compared with the CRIB domain alone. We therefore show that the interaction of CDC42 with PAK4 can influence kinase activity in a previously unappreciated manner.

Structure-Based Design of 6-Chloro-4-aminoquinazoline-2-carboxamide Derivatives as Potent and Selective p21-Activated Kinase 4 (PAK4) Inhibitors

Herein, we report the discovery and characterization of a novel class of PAK4 inhibitors with a quinazoline scaffold. Based on the shape and chemical composition of the ATP-binding pocket of PAKs, we chose a 2,4-diaminoquinazoline series of inhibitors as a starting point. Guided by X-ray crystallography and a structure-based drug design (SBDD) approach, a series of novel 4-aminoquinazoline-2-carboxamide PAK4 inhibitors were designed and synthesized. The inhibitors' selectivity, therapeutic potency, and pharmaceutical properties were optimized. One of the best compounds, 31 (CZh226), showed remarkable PAK4 selectivity (346-fold vs PAK1) and favorable kinase selectivity profile. Moreover, this compound potently inhibited the migration and invasion of A549 tumor cells by regulating the PAK4-directed downstream signaling pathways in vitro. Taken together, these data support the further development of 31 as a lead compound for PAK4-targeted anticancer drug discovery and as a valuable research probe for the further biological investigation of group II PAKs.

PAKs in the brain: Function and dysfunction

p21-Activated kinases (PAKs) comprise a family of proteins covering a central role in signal transduction. They are downstream effectors of Rho GTPases and can affect a variety of processes in different cell types and tissues by remodeling the cytoskeleton and by promoting gene transcription and cell survival. Given the relevance of cytoskeletal organization in neuronal development as well as synaptic function and the importance of pro-survival signals in controlling neuronal cell fate, accumulating studies investigated the role of PAKs in the nervous system. In this review, we provide a critical overview of the role of PAKs in the nervous system, both in neuronal and non-neuronal cells, and discuss their potential link with neurodegenerative diseases.

RhoD Inhibits RhoC-ROCK-Dependent Cell Contraction via PAK6

RhoA-mediated regulation of myosin-II activity in the actin cortex controls the ability of cells to contract and bleb during a variety of cellular processes, including cell migration and division. Cell contraction and blebbing also frequently occur as part of the cytopathic effect seen during many different viral infections. We now demonstrate that the vaccinia virus protein F11, which localizes to the plasma membrane, is required for ROCK-mediated cell contraction from 2 hr post infection. Curiously, F11-induced cell contraction is dependent on RhoC and not RhoA signaling to ROCK. Moreover, RhoC-driven cell contraction depends on the upstream inhibition of RhoD signaling by F11. This inhibition prevents RhoD from regulating its downstream effector Pak6, alleviating the suppression of RhoC by the kinase. Our observations with vaccinia have now demonstrated that RhoD recruits Pak6 to the plasma membrane to antagonize RhoC signaling during cell contraction and blebbing.

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Vaccinia F11 protein is required for virus-induced cell contraction and blebbing

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F11-induced cell contraction depends on RhoC, but not RhoA, signaling to ROCK

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RhoD recruits Pak6 to the plasma membrane to antagonize RhoC signaling

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F11 inhibits RhoD signaling to its downstream effector Pak6

Identification of the PAK4 interactome reveals PAK4 phosphorylation of N-WASP and promotion of Arp2/3-dependent actin polymerization

p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4) regulates cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell motility and F-actin remodeling, but the PAK4 interactome has not been systematically analyzed. Here, we comprehensively characterized the human PAK4 interactome by iTRAQ quantitative mass spectrometry of PAK4-immunoprecipitations. Consistent with its multiple reported functions, the PAK4 interactome was enriched in diverse protein networks, including the 14-3-3, proteasome, replication fork, CCT and Arp2/3 complexes. Because PAK4 co-immunoprecipitated most subunits of the Arp2/3 complex, we hypothesized that PAK4 may play a role in Arp2/3 dependent actin regulation. Indeed, we found that PAK4 interacts with and phosphorylates the nucleation promoting factor N-WASP at Ser484/Ser485 and promotes Arp2/3-dependent actin polymerization in vitro. Also, PAK4 ablation in vivo reduced N-WASP Ser484/Ser485 phosphorylation and altered the cellular balance between G- and F-actin as well as the actin organization. By presenting the PAK4 interactome, we here provide a powerful resource for further investigations and as proof of principle, we also indicate a novel mechanism by which PAK4 regulates actin cytoskeleton remodeling.

Cross-talk between p21-activated kinase 4 and ERα signaling triggers endometrial cancer cell proliferation

Cross-talk between estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and signal transduction pathways plays an important role in the progression of endometrial cancer (EC). Here, we show that 17β-estradiol (E₂) stimulation increases p21-activated kinase 4 (Pak4) expression and activation in ER-positive EC cells. The estrogen-induced Pak4 activation is mediated via the PI3K/AKT pathway. Estrogen increases Pak4 and phosphorylated-Pak4 (p-Pak4) nuclear accumulation, and Pak4 in turn enhances ERα trans-activation. Depletion or functional inhibition of Pak4 abrogates EC cell proliferation induced by E₂, whereas overexpression of Pak4 rescues cell proliferation decreased by inhibiting the estrogen pathway. Pak4 knockdown decreases cyclin D1 expression and induces G1-S arrest. Importantly, Pak4 suppression inhibits E₂ induced EC tumor growth in vivo, in a mouse xenograft model. These data demonstrate that estrogen stimulation increases Pak4 expression and activation, which in turn enhances ERα transcriptional activity and ERα-dependent gene expression, resulting in increased proliferation of EC cells. Thus inhibition of Pak4-ERα signaling may represent a novel therapeutic strategy against endometrial carcinoma.

Kalirin reduction rescues psychosis-associated behavioral deficits in APPswe/PSEN1dE9 transgenic mice

Psychosis in Alzheimer's disease (AD+P) represents a distinct clinical and neurobiological AD phenotype and is associated with more rapid cognitive decline, higher rates of abnormal behaviors, and increased caregiver burden compared with AD without psychosis. On a molecular level, AD+P is associated with greater reductions in the protein kalirin, a guanine exchange factor which has also been linked to the psychotic disease, schizophrenia. In this study, we sought to determine the molecular and behavioral consequences of kalirin reduction in APPswe/PSEN1dE9 mice. We evaluated mice with and without kalirin reduction during tasks measuring psychosis-associated behaviors and spatial memory. We found that kalirin reduction in APPswe/PSEN1dE9 mice significantly attenuated psychosis-associated behavior at 12 months of age without changing spatial memory performance. The 12-month-old APPswe/PSEN1dE9 mice with reduced kalirin levels also had increased levels of the active, phosphorylated forms of p21 protein (Cdc42/Rac)-activated kinases (PAKs), which function in signaling pathways for maintenance of dendritic spine density, morphology, and function.

Protein kinase D1 (PKD1) phosphorylation on Ser203 by type I p21-activated kinase (PAK) regulates PKD1 localization

Although PKC-mediated phosphorylation of protein kinase D1 (PKD1) has been extensively characterized, little is known about PKD1 regulation by other upstream kinases. Here we report that stimulation of epithelial or fibroblastic cells with G protein-coupled receptor agonists, including angiotensin II or bombesin, induced rapid and persistent PKD1 phosphorylation at Ser²⁰³, a highly conserved residue located within the PKD1 N-terminal domain. Exposure to PKD or PKC family inhibitors did not prevent PKD1 phosphorylation at Ser²⁰³, indicating that it is not mediated by autophosphorylation. In contrast, several lines of evidence indicated that the phosphorylation of PKD1 at Ser²⁰³ is mediated by kinases of the class I PAK subfamily, specifically 1) exposing cells to four structurally unrelated PAK inhibitors (PF-3758309, FRAX486, FRAX597, and IPA-3) that act via different mechanisms abrogated PKD1 phosphorylation at Ser²⁰³, 2) siRNA-mediated knockdown of PAK1 and PAK2 in IEC-18 and Swiss 3T3 cells blunted PKD1 phosphorylation at Ser²⁰³, 3) phosphorylation of Ser²⁰³ markedly increased in vitro when recombinant PKD1 was incubated with either PAK1 or PAK2 in the presence of ATP. PAK inhibitors did not interfere with G protein-coupled receptor activation-induced rapid translocation of PKD1 to the plasma membrane but strikingly prevented the dissociation of PKD1 from the plasma membrane and blunted the phosphorylation of nuclear targets, including class IIa histone deacetylases. We conclude that PAK-mediated phosphorylation of PKD1 at Ser²⁰³ triggers its membrane dissociation and subsequent entry into the nucleus, thereby regulating the phosphorylation of PKD1 nuclear targets, including class IIa histone deacetylases.

Group I Paks Promote Skeletal Myoblast Differentiation In Vivo and In Vitro

Skeletal myogenesis is regulated by signal transduction, but the factors and mechanisms involved are not well understood. The group I Paks Pak1 and Pak2 are related protein kinases and direct effectors of Cdc42 and Rac1. Group I Paks are ubiquitously expressed and specifically required for myoblast fusion in Drosophila We report that both Pak1 and Pak2 are activated during mammalian myoblast differentiation. One pathway of activation is initiated by N-cadherin ligation and involves the cadherin coreceptor Cdo with its downstream effector, Cdc42. Individual genetic deletion of Pak1 and Pak2 in mice has no overt effect on skeletal muscle development or regeneration. However, combined muscle-specific deletion of Pak1 and Pak2 results in reduced muscle mass and a higher proportion of myofibers with a smaller cross-sectional area. This phenotype is exacerbated after repair to acute injury. Furthermore, primary myoblasts lacking Pak1 and Pak2 display delayed expression of myogenic differentiation markers and myotube formation. These results identify Pak1 and Pak2 as redundant regulators of myoblast differentiation in vitro and in vivo and as components of the promyogenic Ncad/Cdo/Cdc42 signaling pathway.

Fasudil inhibits tissue factor and plasminogen activator Inhibitor-1 secretion by peripheral blood mononuclear cells in CAPD patients

Disturbances in hemostasis are common complications of kidney diseases and correlate well with cardiovascular mortality. Little is known about the effects of fasudil on tissue factor (TF) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in CAPD patients. PBMCs were isolated from 13 individuals with CAPD and 13 healthy subjects. After 4 h of incubation with or without LPS (10 ng/mL), TF and PAI-1 mRNA of PBMCs were detected by RT-PCR. The levels of TF and PAI-1 in culture supernatants of PBMCs were determined by ELISA. Compared with healthy controls, CAPD patients had increased TF, PAI-1 protein and mRNA expression by PBMCs at baseline and after stimulated by LPS (10 ng/mL) [p < 0.001]. The fasudil treatment resulted in a significant effect in decreasing TF and PAI-1 [p < 0.05] synthesis in PBMCs. TF and PAI-1 mRNA expression and activities in PBMCs were increased in CAPD patients. Fasudil reduced LPS-mediated TF and PAI-1 expression and activity in PBMCs. These effects may partially be relevant to the clinical benefits of fasudil in the treatment of CAPD patients.

p21-activated kinase group II small compound inhibitor GNE-2861 perturbs estrogen receptor alpha signaling and restores tamoxifen-sensitivity in breast cancer cells

Estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) is highly expressed in most breast cancers. Consequently, ERα modulators, such as tamoxifen, are successful in breast cancer treatment, although tamoxifen resistance is commonly observed. While tamoxifen resistance may be caused by altered ERα signaling, the molecular mechanisms regulating ERα signaling and tamoxifen resistance are not entirely clear. Here, we found that PAK4 expression was consistently correlated to poor patient outcome in endocrine treated and tamoxifen-only treated breast cancer patients. Importantly, while PAK4 overexpression promoted tamoxifen resistance in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells, pharmacological treatment with a group II PAK (PAK4, 5, 6) inhibitor, GNE-2861, sensitized tamoxifen resistant MCF-7/LCC2 breast cancer cells to tamoxifen. Mechanistically, we identified a regulatory positive feedback loop, where ERα bound to the PAK4 gene, thereby promoting PAK4 expression, while PAK4 in turn stabilized the ERα protein, activated ERα transcriptional activity and ERα target gene expression. Further, PAK4 phosphorylated ERα-Ser305, a phosphorylation event needed for the PAK4 activation of ERα-dependent transcription. In conclusion, PAK4 may be a suitable target for perturbing ERα signaling and tamoxifen resistance in breast cancer patients.

Synthesis and evaluation of a series of 4-azaindole-containing p21-activated kinase-1 inhibitors

A series of 4-azaindole-containing p21-activated kinase-1 (PAK1) inhibitors was prepared with the goal of improving physicochemical properties relative to an indole starting point. Indole 1 represented an attractive, non-basic scaffold with good PAK1 affinity and cellular potency but was compromised by high lipophilicity (clogD=4.4). Azaindole 5 was designed as an indole surrogate with the goal of lowering logD and resulted in equipotent PAK1 inhibition with a 2-fold improvement in cellular potency over 1. Structure-activity relationship studies around 5 identified additional 4-azaindole analogs with superior PAK1 biochemical activity (Ki <10nM) and up to 24-fold selectivity for group I over group II PAKs. Compounds from this series showed enhanced permeability, improved aqueous solubility, and lower plasma protein binding over indole 1. The improvement in physicochemical properties translated to a 20-fold decrease in unbound clearance in mouse PK studies for azaindole 5 relative to indole 1.

Pak4 Is Required during Epithelial Polarity Remodeling through Regulating AJ Stability and Bazooka Retention at the ZA

The ability of epithelial cells to assemble into sheets relies on their zonula adherens (ZA), a circumferential belt of adherens junction (AJ) material, which can be remodeled during development to shape organs. Here, we show that during ZA remodeling in a model neuroepithelial cell, the Cdc42 effector P21-activated kinase 4 (Pak4/Mbt) regulates AJ morphogenesis and stability through β-catenin (β-cat/Arm) phosphorylation. We find that β-catenin phosphorylation by Mbt, and associated AJ morphogenesis, is needed for the retention of the apical determinant Par3/Bazooka at the remodeling ZA. Importantly, this retention mechanism functions together with Par1-dependent lateral exclusion of Par3/Bazooka to regulate apical membrane differentiation. Our results reveal an important functional link between Pak4, AJ material morphogenesis, and polarity remodeling during organogenesis downstream of Par3.

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Pak4 regulates adherens junction accumulation at the zonula adherens

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Pak4 promotes Par3 (Bazooka) retention at the zonula adherens

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Par1 and Pak4 synergize in preventing lateral accumulation of Par3

Group II p21-activated kinases as therapeutic targets in gastrointestinal cancer

P21-activated kinases (PAKs) are central players in various oncogenic signaling pathways. The six PAK family members are classified into group I (PAK1-3) and group II (PAK4-6). Focus is currently shifting from group I PAKs to group II PAKs. Group II PAKs play important roles in many fundamental cellular processes, some of which have particular significance in the development and progression of cancer. Because of their important functions, group II PAKs have become popular potential drug target candidates. However, few group II PAKs inhibitors have been reported, and most do not exhibit satisfactory kinase selectivity and “drug-like” properties. Isoform- and kinase-selective PAK inhibitors remain to be developed. This review describes the biological activities of group II PAKs, the importance of group II PAKs in the development and progression of gastrointestinal cancer, and small-molecule inhibitors of group II PAKs for the treatment of cancer.

PAK6 targets to cell-cell adhesions through its N-terminus in a Cdc42-dependent manner to drive epithelial colony escape

The six serine/threonine kinases in the p21-activated kinase (PAK) family are important regulators of cell adhesion, motility and survival. PAK6, which is overexpressed in prostate cancer, was recently reported to localize to cell-cell adhesions and to drive epithelial cell colony escape. Here we report that PAK6 targeting to cell-cell adhesions occurs through its N-terminus, requiring both its Cdc42/Rac interactive binding (CRIB) domain and an adjacent polybasic region for maximal targeting efficiency. We find PAK6 localization to cell-cell adhesions is Cdc42-dependent, as Cdc42 knockdown inhibits PAK6 targeting to cell-cell adhesions. We further find the ability of PAK6 to drive epithelial cell colony escape requires kinase activity and is disrupted by mutations that perturb PAK6 cell-cell adhesion targeting. Finally, we demonstrate that all type II PAKs (PAK4, PAK5 and PAK6) target to cell-cell adhesions, albeit to differing extents, but PAK1 (a type I PAK) does not. Notably, the ability of a PAK isoform to drive epithelial colony escape correlates with its targeting to cell-cell adhesions. We conclude that PAKs have a broader role in the regulation of cell-cell adhesions than previously appreciated.