LIMK2

There are approximately 40 known eukaryotic LIM proteins, so named for the LIM domains they contain. LIM domains are highly conserved cysteine-rich structures containing 2 zinc fingers. Although zinc fingers usually function by binding to DNA or RNA, the LIM motif probably mediates protein-protein interactions. LIM kinase-1 and LIM kinase-2 belong to a small subfamily with a unique combination of 2 N-terminal LIM motifs and a C-terminal protein kinase domain. The protein encoded by this gene is phosphorylated and activated by ROCK, a downstream effector of Rho, and the encoded protein, in turn, phosphorylates cofilin, inhibiting its actin-depolymerizing activity. It is thought that this pathway contributes to Rho-induced reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton. At least three transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene. [provided by RefSeq]

Full Name

LIM domain kinase 2

Function

Serine/threonine-protein kinase that plays an essential role in the regulation of actin filament dynamics (PubMed:10436159, PubMed:11018042).
Acts downstream of several Rho family GTPase signal transduction pathways (PubMed:10436159, PubMed:11018042).
Involved in astral microtubule organization and mitotic spindle orientation during early stages of mitosis by mediating phosphorylation of TPPP (PubMed:22328514).
Displays serine/threonine-specific phosphorylation of myelin basic protein and histone (MBP) in vitro (PubMed:8537403).
Suppresses ciliogenesis via multiple pathways; phosphorylation of CFL1, suppression of directional trafficking of ciliary vesicles to the ciliary base, and by facilitating YAP1 nuclear localization where it acts as a transcriptional corepressor of the TEAD4 target genes AURKA and PLK1 (PubMed:25849865).

Biological Process

Actin cytoskeleton organizationManual Assertion Based On ExperimentIBA:GO_Central
Astral microtubule organizationManual Assertion Based On ExperimentIDA:UniProtKB
Cornea development in camera-type eyeIEA:Ensembl
Establishment of vesicle localizationManual Assertion Based On ExperimentIMP:UniProtKB
Head developmentIEA:Ensembl
Negative regulation of cilium assemblyManual Assertion Based On ExperimentIMP:UniProtKB
PhosphorylationManual Assertion Based On ExperimentTAS:UniProtKB
Positive regulation of protein localization to nucleusManual Assertion Based On ExperimentIMP:UniProtKB
Positive regulation of protein phosphorylationManual Assertion Based On ExperimentIMP:UniProtKB
Protein phosphorylationManual Assertion Based On ExperimentIDA:UniProtKB
SpermatogenesisIEA:Ensembl

Cellular Location

Cytoplasm, cytoskeleton, spindle
Cytoplasm, cytoskeleton, microtubule organizing center, centrosome
Isoform LIMK2a:
Cytoplasm
Nucleus
Isoform LIMK2b:
Cytoplasm
Cytoplasm, perinuclear region
Nucleus
Mainly present in the cytoplasm and is scarcely translocated to the nucleus.

PTM

Phosphorylated on serine and/or threonine residues by ROCK1.