Serine/threonine-protein kinase PAK 1 (PAK1)

Protein kinase involved in intracellular signaling pathways downstream of integrins and receptor-type kinases that plays an significant role in cytoskeleton dynamics, in cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, apoptosis, mitosis, and in vesicle-mediated transport processes. Can directly phosphorylate BAD and protects cells from apoptosis.

Activated by discussion with CDC42 and RAC1. Functions as GTPase effector that links the Rho-related GTPases CDC42 and RAC1 to the JNK MAP kinase pathway.