AKAP mediated signal transduction

Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol. 2002:42:235-57. doi: 10.1146/annurev.pharmtox.42.083101.135801.

Abstract

Compartmentalization of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) is achieved through association with A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs). AKAPs are a group of structurally diverse proteins with the common function of binding to the regulatory subunit of PKA and confining the holoenzyme to discrete locations within the cell. This mode of regulation ensures that PKA is exposed to isolated cAMP gradients, which allows for efficient catalytic activation and accurate substrate selection. Several AKAPs coordinate multiple members of signaling cascades, effectively assembling upstream activators and downstream effectors within the same macromolecular complex. Consequently, AKAPs may serve as points of integration for numerous signaling pathways. This review details the most recent advances in our understanding of the various biological functions dependent upon AKAP-anchored signaling complexes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • A Kinase Anchor Proteins
  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing*
  • Animals
  • Carrier Proteins / physiology*
  • Cyclic AMP-Dependent Protein Kinases / metabolism
  • Cytoskeletal Proteins*
  • Humans
  • Muscles / metabolism
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / physiology
  • Sarcoplasmic Reticulum / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction*

Substances

  • A Kinase Anchor Proteins
  • AKAP11 protein, human
  • AKAP9 protein, human
  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
  • Carrier Proteins
  • Cytoskeletal Proteins
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate
  • Cyclic AMP-Dependent Protein Kinases