Kinase Subfamily LIMK
Kinase Classification: Group TKL: Family LISK: Subfamily LIMK
LIMK or Lim domain kinases modulate the cytoskeleton and and important in axonal outgrowth.
Evolution
LIMK is found across the holozoa, but lost in nematodes, along with the cofilin phosphatase, slingshot, and the other cofilin kinase, TESK.
Domain Structure
As predicted from their name, LIMK typically have a pair of N-terminal LIM domains, followed by a PDZ domain, and then a kinase domain. One of two human LIMKs, LIMK2 has a C-terminal extension encoding a PP1 inhibitor domain.
Functions
LIMK members phosphorylate and inactivate the actin depolymerizing factor, cofilin. They are in turn activated by pairs of small GTPases and their downstream kinases: Rac and PAKA; Rho and ROCK; and Cdc42 and GEK [1]. They have important roles in axon growth but appears to be active in many tissues.
