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Evidence accumulated over the past decade suggests that p21-activated kinase 1 (PAK1) is a critical cardiac-protective signalling molecule. The present article provides an updated review of recent findings regarding the role of PAK1 in maintaining normal cardiac electrophysiological function through its regulation of membrane and Ca2+ clocks. We first overviewed the PAK1 activation mechanism. We then discussed recent updated results showing the action mechanisms of PAK1 signalling on Cav1.2/Cav1.3 (ICaL)-mediated Ca2+ entry, ryanodine receptor type 2-mediated sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ release, transcriptional regulation of SR Ca2+-ATPase 2a, Na+/Ca2+ exchangers, and Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II. Finally, we proposed a new and exciting route for developing a PAK1-based therapeutic strategy for cardiac arrhythmias. This article is part of the theme issue 'The heartbeat: its molecular basis and physiological mechanisms'.

Original publication

DOI

10.1098/rstb.2022.0285

Type

Journal article

Journal

Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences

Publication Date

06/2023

Volume

378

Addresses

Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QT, UK.

Keywords

Heart, Calcium, Anti-Arrhythmia Agents, Phosphorylation, Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Calcium-Transporting ATPases, Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinases, p21-Activated Kinases