[HTML][HTML] PAK1 regulates cortical development via promoting neuronal migration and progenitor cell proliferation
Abstract Background p21-activated kinase 1 (PAK1) is a serine/threonine kinase known to
be activated by the Rho family small GTPases and to play a key role in cytoskeletal
reorganization, spine morphology and synaptic plasticity. PAK1 is also implicated in a
number of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases, including autism,
intellectual disability and Alzheimer's disease. However, the role of PAK1 in early brain
development remains unknown. Results In this study, we employed genetic manipulations to …
be activated by the Rho family small GTPases and to play a key role in cytoskeletal
reorganization, spine morphology and synaptic plasticity. PAK1 is also implicated in a
number of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases, including autism,
intellectual disability and Alzheimer's disease. However, the role of PAK1 in early brain
development remains unknown. Results In this study, we employed genetic manipulations to …
Background
p21-activated kinase 1 (PAK1) is a serine/threonine kinase known to be activated by the Rho family small GTPases and to play a key role in cytoskeletal reorganization, spine morphology and synaptic plasticity. PAK1 is also implicated in a number of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases, including autism, intellectual disability and Alzheimer’s disease. However, the role of PAK1 in early brain development remains unknown.
Results
In this study, we employed genetic manipulations to investigate the role of PAK1 in the cerebral cortical development in mice. We showed that compared to the wild type littermates, PAK1 knockout mice have a reduction in the number of pyramidal neurons in several layers of the cerebral cortex, which is associated with a smaller pool of neural progenitor cells and impaired neuronal migration.
Conclusion
These results suggest that PAK1 regulates cortical development by promoting the proliferation of neural progenitor cells and facilitating the migration of these neurons to specific regions of the cortex.
Springer