The p21-activated kinase 5 (PAK5), a member of the PAK family (Group II PAKs: PAK4-6), is a serine/threonine kinase regulated by Rho GTPases like Cdc42 and Rac. PAK5 plays critical roles in cytoskeletal remodeling, cell survival, and neuronal development by modulating pathways such as MAPK and PI3K/Akt. It is highly expressed in the brain, where it regulates synaptic plasticity and axon guidance, but is also implicated in cancer progression. Overexpression of PAK5 correlates with tumor invasion, metastasis, and therapy resistance in cancers like breast, colorectal, and glioblastoma, often through interactions with β-catenin, Bad, or caspases.
PAK5 antibodies are essential tools for studying its expression, localization, and function. These antibodies, often monoclonal or polyclonal, are validated for applications like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and immunofluorescence (IF). Specificity remains a challenge due to structural homology among PAK family members. High-quality PAK5 antibodies are typically validated using knockout cells or siRNA-mediated silencing to confirm target selectivity. Researchers use these antibodies to explore PAK5's role in disease mechanisms, biomarker discovery, and therapeutic targeting. Recent studies also highlight its potential in neurodegenerative and cardiovascular disorders, expanding its relevance beyond oncology.