AKAP signaling complexes: pointing towards the next generation of therapeutic targets?

• AKAPs streamline signal transduction by localizing enzymes with their substrates.
• AKAPs coordinate aspects of mitosis and cancer progression.
• AKAP-mediated signaling is implicated in onset and progression of cardiovascular disease.
• Selected AKAPs may serve as biomarkers for disease.

A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs) streamline signal transduction by localizing signaling enzymes with their substrates. Great strides have been made in elucidating the role of these macromolecular signaling complexes as new binding partners and novel AKAPs are continually being uncovered. The mechanics and dynamics of these multi-enzyme assemblies suggest that AKAP complexes are viable targets for therapeutic intervention. This review will highlight recent advances in AKAP research focusing on local signaling events that are perturbed in disease.