Gary M. Bokoch talks with
ScienceWatch.com and answers a few questions about
this month's Emerging Research Front Paper in the field of
Pharmacology & Toxicology.
Article: Biology of the p21-activated
kinases
Authors: Bokoch,
GM
Journal: ANNU REV BIOCHEM, 72: 743-781 2003
Addresses: Scripps Res Inst, Dept Immunol, 10550 N Torrey
Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037 USA.
Scripps Res Inst, Dept Immunol, La Jolla, CA 92037
USA.
Scripps Res Inst, Dept Cell Biol, La Jolla, CA 92037 USA.
Why do you think your paper is highly
cited?
I believe it is highly cited because it is a comprehensive review of the
literature on p21-activated kinases (Paks) in general.
Would you summarize the significance of your paper in
layman’s terms?
This is a focused review related to how small Rho GTPases regulate cell
function.
How did you become involved in this research, and were
there any particular problems encountered along the way?
Our interest in the biology of the Paks was initiated by our observations
that these enzymes were abundant targets of Rac GTPase in human
neutrophils.
Where do you see your research leading in the
future?
Our current studies involving Paks demonstrate that Pak1 and Pak2 are
critical regulators of cell motility by controlling the functioning of the
cell leading edge. This has important implications for Paks in both cancer
and neurogenesis/mental retardation syndromes.
Gary M. Bokoch, Ph.D.
Dept. of Immunology
The Scripps Research Institute
La Jolla, CA, USA Web