The P21-Activated Kinase 1 and 2 As Potential Therapeutic Targets for the Management of Cardiovascular Disease

Review The P21-Activated Kinase 1 and 2 As Potential Therapeutic Targets for the Management of Cardiovascular Disease Honglin Xu, Dingwei Wang, Chiara Ramponi, Xin Wang, and Hongyuan Zhang * Michael Smith building, Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK. * Correspondence: hongyuan.zhang-3@postgrad.manchester.ac.uk     Received: 20 October 2022 Accepted: 16 November 2022 Published: 21 December 2022   Abstract: Group I p21-activated kinases (Paks) are members of the serine/threonine protein kinase family. Paks are encoded by three genes (Pak 1‒3) and are involved in the regulation of various biological processes. Pak1 and Pak2 are key members, sharing 91% sequence identity in their kinase domains. Recent studies have shown that Pak1/2 protect the heart from various types of stresses. Activated Pak1/2 participate in the maintenance of cellular homeostasis and metabolism, thus enhancing the adaptation and resilience of cardiomyocytes to stress. The structure, activation and function of Pak1/2 as well as their protective roles against the occurrence of cardiovascular disease are described in this review. The values of Pak1/2 as therapeutic targets are also discussed.