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Review

Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology 5, 959–970 (1 December 2004) | doi:10.1038/nrm1527

AKAP signalling complexes: focal points in space and time

Wei Wong & John D. Scott

Multiprotein signalling networks create focal points of enzyme activity that disseminate the intracellular action of many hormones and neurotransmitters. Accordingly, the spatio-temporal activation of protein kinases and phosphatases is an important factor in controlling where and when phosphorylation events occur. Anchoring proteins provide a molecular framework that orients these enzymes towards selected substrates. A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs) are signal-organizing molecules that compartmentalize various enzymes that are regulated by second messengers.