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Previously, we showed PAK-PIX-GIT targets and regulates focal adhesions; here, we uncover a different function for the complex at the centrosome. Active PAK1 is particularly evident in mitosis and phosphorylates the centrosomal adaptor GIT1 on serine 517. Interestingly, direct centrosome targeting activates the kinase via a process not requiring Rho GTPases; excision of the centrosome prevents this activation. Once activated, PAK1 dissociates from PIX/GIT but can bind to and phosphorylate the important centrosomal kinase Aurora-A. PAK1 promotes phosphorylation of Aurora-A on Thr288 and Ser342, which are key sites for kinase activation in mitosis. In vivo PAK activation causes an accumulation of activated Aurora-A; conversely, when betaPIX is depleted or PAK is inhibited, there is a delay in centrosome maturation. These observations may underlie reported effects of active PAK on cells, including histone H3 phosphorylation, alterations in centrosome number, and progression through mitosis.

The PAK family of kinases are regulated through interaction with the small GTPases Cdc42 and Rac1, but little is known of the signaling components immediately upstream or downstream of these proteins. We have purified and cloned a new class of Rho-p21 guanine nucleotide exchange factor binding tightly through its N-terminal SH3 domain to a conserved proline-rich PAK sequence with a Kd of 24 nM. This PAK-interacting exchange factor (PIX), which is widely expressed and enriched in Cdc42- and Rac1-driven focal complexes, is required for PAK recruitment to these sites. PIX can induce membrane ruffling, with an associated activation of Rac1. Our results suggest a role for PIX in Cdc42-to-Rac1 signaling, involving the PIX/PAK complex.

Loss of fragile X mental retardation protein FMR1 is the most common genetic cause of mental deficiency in man. We find that both FMR1 and the related FXR1 serve as direct binding partners for the Cdc42 effector PAK1. This involves an 11 residue segment in the PAK1 autoinhibitory domain that is exposed upon kinase activation and binds the FXR1 KH2 domain. Active PAK1 can phosphorylate FXR1 at Ser420; antibodies to this site show increased phosphorylation when fragile X proteins are recruited to stress granules. During zebrafish muscle development, FXR1 Ser420 phosphorylation is needed for protein function. The familial FMR1(I304N) mutation is biologically inactive, and FXR1(I304N) fails to bind PAK1. A different PAK1 binding-deficient mutant, FXR1(Q348K/E352A), fails to rescue loss of Zf-FXR1 unless combined with a gain-of-function S420D phosphomimetic. This is the first documented protein partner for the KH(2) domain of FMR1 or FXR1, and it has several implications for signaling by fragile X proteins.