PAK4 phosphorylates cyclin-dependent kinase 2 to promote the G₁/S transition during adipogenesis.

ABSTRACT: p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4), a member of the PAK family (PAK1-6), was initially recognized for its role in tumor development. Recently, we discovered PAK4's involvement in triacylglycerol lipolysis in adipocytes. However, its function in adipogenesis remains unclear. Here we show that PAK4 plays a critical role in adipocyte differentiation. Following adipogenic stimulation, PAK4 protein levels increased. Knockdown of PAK4 in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes or human stromal vascular cells, as well as pharmacological inhibition of PAK4 in 3T3-L1 cells, impaired adipogenesis, as indicated by reduced expression of adipocyte marker genes and decreased lipid accumulation. Mechanistically, PAK4 phosphorylated cyclin-dependent kinase 2 at serine 106, a critical step for CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein β exp

SUBMITTER: Yu HC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12508475 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature