title: LIM-kinase1.
abstract: LIM-kinase1 (LIMK1) is a serine-only protein kinase that contains LIM and PDZ protein-protein interaction domains which is highly expressed in neurons. Overexpression of LIMK1 in cultured cells results in accumulation of filamentous (F-) actin. LIMK1 phosphorylates cofilin, an actin depolymerisation factor, which is then unable to bind and depolymerise F-actin. Rac-GTP enhances phosphorylation of LIMK1 and cofilin, which leads to accumulation of F-actin, while Rac-GDP and PMA reduce these effects. LIMK1 is therefore a key component of a signal transduction network that connects extracellular stimuli to changes in cytoskeletal structure. Control of cell morphology and mobility via LIMK1 activity may provide novel approaches to cancer therapy.
authors.affiliation: Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Australia.
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Stanyon
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Bernard
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D054461:Lim Kinases; D008954:Models, Biological; D011494:Protein Kinases / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D014018:Tissue Distribution; D018980:Williams Syndrome / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D011494:Protein Kinases; C515892:LIMK1 protein, human; D054461:Lim Kinases