PAK (p21-activated kinase)

PAK, or p21-activated kinase, is an enzyme that plays a key role in controlling cell movement, growth, and survival. It is activated by small proteins called Rho GTPases, which respond to signals from the cell’s environment. Once activated, PAK influences the organization of the cell’s internal skeleton (cytoskeleton), affecting how the cell changes shape and moves. It also participates in processes like cell division and communication. PAK functions are critical for healthy development, but when dysregulated, they can contribute to diseases such as cancer, making them important targets for research and therapy.