The murine LIM-kinase gene (limk) encodes a novel serine threonine kinase expressed predominantly in trophoblast giant cells and the developing nervous system

The Role of LIM Kinases during Development: A Lens to Get a Glimpse of Their Implication in Pathologies

The organization of cell populations within animal tissues is essential for the morphogenesis of organs during development. Cells recognize three-dimensional positions with respect to the whole organism and regulate their cell shape, motility, migration, polarization, growth, differentiation, gene expression and cell death according to extracellular signals. Remodeling of the actin filaments is essential to achieve these cell morphological changes. Cofilin is an important binding protein for these filaments; it increases their elasticity in terms of flexion and torsion and also severs them. The activity of cofilin is spatiotemporally inhibited via phosphorylation by the LIM domain kinases 1 and 2 (LIMK1 and LIMK2). Phylogenetic analysis indicates that the phospho-regulation of cofilin has evolved as a mechanism controlling the reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton during complex multicellular processes, such as those that occur during embryogenesis. In this context, the main objective of this review is to provide an update of the respective role of each of the LIM kinases during embryonic development.

Combined LIM kinase 1 and p21-Activated kinase 4 inhibitor treatment exhibits potent preclinical antitumor efficacy in breast cancer

LIM kinase 1 (LIMK1) and p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4) are often over-expressed in breast tumors, which causes aggressive cancer phenotypes and unfavorable clinical outcomes. In addition to the well-defined role in regulating cell division, proliferation and invasion, the two kinases promote activation of the MAPK pathway and cause endocrine resistance through phosphorylating estrogen receptor alpha (ERα). PAK4 specifically phosphorylates LIMK1 and its functional partners, indicating possible value of suppressing both kinases in cancers that over-express PAK4 and/or LIMK1. Here, for the first time, we assessed the impact of combining LIMK1 inhibitor LIMKi 3 and PAK4 inhibitor PF-3758309 in preclinical breast cancer models. LIMK1 and PAK4 pharmacological inhibition synergistically reduced the survival of various cancer cell lines, exhibiting specific efficacy in luminal and HER2-enriched models, and suppressed development and ERα-driven signals in a BT474 xenograft model. In silico analysis demonstrated the cell lines with reliance on LIMK1 were the most prone to be susceptible to PAK4 inhibition. Double LIMK1 and PAK4 targeting therapy can be a successful therapeutic strategy for breast cancer, with a unique efficiency in the subtypes of luminal and HER2-enriched tumors.

Mechanisms regulating endothelial permeability

The endothelial monolayer partitioning underlying tissue from blood components in the vessel wall maintains tissue fluid balance and host defense through dynamically opening intercellular junctions. Edemagenic agonists disrupt endothelial barrier function by signaling the opening of the intercellular junctions leading to the formation of protein-rich edema in the interstitial tissue, a hallmark of tissue inflammation that, if left untreated, causes fatal diseases, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome. In this review, we discuss how intercellular junctions are maintained under normal conditions and after stimulation of endothelium with edemagenic agonists. We have focused on reviewing the new concepts dealing with the alteration of adherens junctions after inflammatory stimulus.

Overexpression of LIMK1 promotes tumor growth and metastasis in gastric cancer

Gastric cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in Asia. Despite improvement of therapies, the outcome in patients remains extremely poor because of metastasis. In the present study, we found that LIMK1 is overexpressed in gastric cancer, and its expression level correlate with tumor size, lymph node metastasis and TNM stage. Knockdown of LIMK1 expression could inhibit cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro, as well as suppress the activation of FAK/paxillin pathway. Moreover, knockdown of LIMK1 expression retarded tumor growth and peritoneal ametastasis in vivo. This highlights that LIMK1 might be used as a potential target in the treatment of gastric cancer.

Maternal high-fat diet alters expression of pathways of growth, blood supply and arachidonic acid in rat placenta

The high fat content in Western diets probably affects placental function during pregnancy with potential consequences for the offspring in the short and long term. The aim of the present study was to compare genome-wide placental gene expression between rat dams fed a high-fat diet (HFD) and those fed a control diet for 3 weeks before conception and during gestation. Gene expression was measured by microarray and pathway analysis was performed. Gene expression differences were replicated by real-time PCR and protein expression was assessed by Western blot analysis. Placental and fetal weights at E17.25 were not altered by exposure to the maternal HFD. Gene pathways targeting placental growth, blood supply and chemokine signalling were up-regulated in the placentae of dams fed the HFD. The up-regulation in messenger RNA expression for five genes Ptgs2 (fatty acid cyclo-oxidase 2; COX2), Limk1 (LIM domain kinase 1), Pla2g2a (phospholipase A2), Itga1 (integrin α-1) and Serpine1 was confirmed by real-time PCR. Placental protein expression for COX2 and LIMK was also increased in HFD-fed dams. In conclusion, maternal HFD feeding alters placental gene expression patterns of placental growth and blood supply and specifically increases the expression of genes involved in arachidonic acid and PG metabolism. These changes indicate a placental response to the altered maternal metabolic environment.

BMPs are mediators in tissue crosstalk of the regenerating musculoskeletal system

The musculoskeletal system is a tight network of many tissues. Coordinated interplay at a biochemical level between tissues is essential for development and repair. Traumatic injury usually affects several tissues and represents a large challenge in clinical settings. The current demand for potent growth factors in such applications thus accompanies the keen interest in molecular mechanisms and orchestration of tissue formation. Of special interest are multitasking growth factors that act as signals in a variety of cell types, both in a paracrine and in an autocrine manner, thereby inducing cell differentiation and coordinating not only tissue assembly at specific sites but also maturation and homeostasis. We concentrate here on bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), which are important crosstalk mediators known for their irreplaceable roles in vertebrate development. The molecular crosstalk during embryonic musculoskeletal tissue formation is recapitulated in adult repair. BMPs act at different levels from the initiation to maturation of newly formed tissue. Interestingly, this is influenced by the spatiotemporal expression of different BMPs, their receptors and co-factors at the site of repair. Thus, the regenerative potential of BMPs needs to be evaluated in the context of highly connected tissues such as muscle and bone and might indeed be different in more poorly connected tissues such as cartilage. This highlights the need for an understanding of BMP signaling across tissues in order to eventually improve BMP regenerative potential in clinical applications. In this review, the distinct members of the BMP family and their individual contribution to musculoskeletal tissue repair are summarized by focusing on their paracrine and autocrine functions.

Nuclear and cytoplasmic LIMK1 enhances human breast cancer progression

Background

LIM kinase 1 (LIMK1) is expressed in both cytoplasmic and nuclear compartments, and is a key regulator of cytoskeletal organization involved in cell migration and proliferation. LIMK1 levels are increased in several human cancers, with LIMK1 over-expression in prostate and breast cancer cells leading to tumor progression. While it has been presumed that the mechanism by which LIMK1 promotes cancer progression is via its cytoplasmic effects, the role of nuclear vs cytoplasmic LIMK1 in the tumorigenic process has not been examined.

Results

To determine if cytoplasmic or nuclear LIMK1 expression correlated with breast cancer, we performed immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis of breast tissue microarrays (TMAs), The IHC analysis of breast TMAs revealed that 76% of malignant breast tissue samples strongly expressed LIMK1 in the cytoplasm, with 52% of these specimens also expressing nuclear LIMK1. Only 48% of benign breast samples displayed strong cytoplasmic LIMK1 expression and 27% of these expressed nuclear LIMK1. To investigate the respective roles of cytoplamsic and nuclear LIMK1 in breast cancer progression, we targeted GFP-LIMK1 to cytoplasmic and nuclear subcellular compartments by fusing nuclear export signals (NESs) or nuclear localization sequences (NLS), respectively, to the amino-terminus of GFP-LIMK1. Stable pools of MDA-MB-231 cells were generated by retroviral transduction, and fluorescence microscopy revealed that GFP alone (control) and GFP-LIMK1 were each expressed in both the cytoplasm and nucleus of MDA-MB-231 cells, whereas NLS-GFP-LIMK1 was expressed in the nucleus and NES-GFP-LIMK1 was expressed in the cytoplasm. Western blot analyses revealed equal expression of GFP-LIMK1 and NES-GFP-LIMK1, with NLS-GFP-LIMK1 expression being less but equal to endogenous LIMK1. Also, Western blotting revealed increased levels of phospho-cofilin, phospho-FAK, phospho-paxillin, phospho-Src, phospho-AKT, and phospho-Erk1/2 in cells expressing all GFP-LIMK1 fusions, compared to GFP alone. Invasion assays revealed that all GFP-LIMK1 fusions increased MDA-MB-231 cell invasion ~1.5-fold, compared to GFP-only control cells. Tumor xenograft studies in nude mice revealed that MDA-MB-231 cells stably expressing GFP-LIMK, NLS-GFP-LIMK1 and NES-GFP-LIMK1 enhanced tumor growth 2.5-, 1.6- and 4.7-fold, respectively, compared to GFP-alone.

Conclusion

Taken together, these data demonstrate that LIMK1 activity in both the cytoplasmic and nuclear compartments promotes breast cancer progression, underscoring that nuclear LIMK1 contributes to the transforming function of LIMK1.

LIM kinases: function, regulation and association with human disease

The LIM kinase family consists of just two members: LIM kinase 1 (LIMK1) and LIM kinase 2 (LIMK2). With uniquely organised signalling domains, LIM kinases are regulated by several upstream signalling pathways, principally acting downstream of Rho GTPases to influence the architecture of the actin cytoskeleton by regulating the activity of the cofilin family proteins cofilin1, cofilin2 and destrin. Although the LIM kinases are very homologous, particularly when comparing kinase domains, there is emerging evidence that each may be subject to different regulatory pathways and may contribute to both distinct and overlapping cellular and developmental functions. Normal central nervous system development is reliant upon the presence of LIMK1, and its deletion has been implicated in the development of the human genetic disorder Williams syndrome. Normal testis development, on the other hand, is disrupted by the deletion of LIMK2. In addition, the possible involvement of each kinase in cardiovascular disorders as well as cancer has recently emerged. The LIM kinases have been proposed to play an important role in tumour-cell invasion and metastasis; fine-tuning the balance between phosphorylated and non-phosphorylated cofilin may be a significant determinant of tumour-cell metastatic potential. In this review, we outline the structure, regulation and function of LIM kinases and their functions at cellular and organismal levels, as well as their possible contributions to human disease.

LIM kinase 1 increases tumor metastasis of human breast cancer cells via regulation of the urokinase-type plasminogen activator system

Mammalian LIM kinase 1 (LIMK1) phosphorylates and inactivates the actin-binding and -depolymerizing factor cofilin and induces actin cytoskeletal changes. LIMK1 is reported to play an important role in cell motility, but the mechanism of induction of cell motility and the role of LIMK1 in tumor growth, angiogenesis and invasion are poorly understood. Here we show that expression of LIMK1 in MDA-MB-435 human breast cancer cells enhanced cell proliferation and cell invasiveness and promoted in vitro angiogenesis. Since tumor metastasis requires degradation of the extracellular matrix by the serine protease urokinase type plasminogen activator (uPA), we examined the role of LIMK1 in the regulation of uPA/uPAR system. LIMK1 overexpression in breast cancer cells upregulated the uPA system, increased uPA promoter activity, induced uPA and uPAR mRNA and protein expression and induced uPA secretion. In contrast, cells transfected with the catalytically inactive LIMK mutant D460N-LIMK1 did not exhibit these phenotypic changes. Blocking antibodies against uPA and uPAR suppressed LIMK1-induced cell invasiveness. In addition, LIMK1 overexpression increased tumor growth in female athymic nude mice, promoted tumor angiogenesis and induced metastasis to livers and lungs, possibly by increasing uPA expression in the tumors. Finally, LIMK1 and uPAR were coordinately overexpressed in human breast tumors. These results suggested an important role for LIMK1 signaling in breast cancer tumor growth, angiogenesis and invasion and a regulatory connection between LIMK1 and the uPA system.

Involvement of slingshot in the Rho-mediated dephosphorylation of ADF/cofilin during Xenopus cleavage

ADF/cofilin is a key regulator for actin dynamics during cytokinesis. Its activity is suppressed by phosphorylation and reactivated by dephosphorylation. Little is known, however, about regulatory mechanisms of ADF/cofilin function during formation of contractile ring actin filaments. Using Xenopus cycling extracts, we found that ADF/cofilin was dephosphorylated at prophase and telophase. In addition, constitutively active Rho GTPase induced dephosphorylation of ADF/cofilin in the egg extracts. This dephosphorylation was inhibited by Na(3)VO (4) but not by other conventional phosphatase-inhibitors. We cloned a Xenopus homologue of Slingshot phosphatase (XSSH), originally identified in Drosophila and human as an ADF/cofilin phosphatase, and raised antibody specific for the catalytic domain of XSSH. This inhibitory antibody significantly suppressed the Rho-induced dephosphorylation of ADF/cofilin in extracts, suggesting that the dephosphorylation at telophase is dependent on XSSH. XSSH bound to actin filaments with a dissociation constant of 0.4 microM, and the ADF/cofilin phosphatase activity was increased in the presence of F-actin. When latrunculin A, a G-actin-sequestering drug, was added to extracts, both Rho-induced actin polymerization and dephosphorylation of ADF/cofilin were markedly inhibited. Jasplakinolide, an actin-stabilizing drug, alone induced actin polymerization in the extracts and lead to dephosphorylation of ADF/cofilin. These results suggest that Rho-induced dephosphorylation of ADF/cofilin is dependent on the XSSH activation that is caused by increase in the amount of F-actin induced by Rho signaling. XSSH colocalized with both actin filaments and ADF/cofilin in the actin patches formed on the surface of the early cleavage furrow. Injection of inhibitory antibody blocked cleavage of blastomeres. Thus, XSSH may reorganize actin filaments through dephosphorylation and reactivation of ADF/cofilin at early stage of contractile ring formation.

Functional involvement of Xenopus homologue of ADF/cofilin phosphatase, slingshot (XSSH), in the gastrulation movement

ADF/cofilin is a phosphorylation-regulated protein essential for actin filament dynamics in cells. Here, we cloned two cDNAs encoding Xenopus ADF/cofilin (XAC)-specific phosphatase, slingshot (XSSH), one of which contains an extra 15 nucleotides in a coding sequence of the other, possibly generated by alternative splicing. Whole mount in situ hybridization showed XSSH transcripts in the blastopore lip and sensorial ectoderm at stage 11, and subsequently localized to developing brain, branchial arches, developing retina, otic vesicle, cement gland, and spinal chord in neurula to tailbud embryos. Immunostaining of animal-vegetal sections of gastrula embryos demonstrated that both XAC and XSSH proteins are predominant in ectodermal and involuting mesodermal cells. Microinjection of either a wild type (thus induces overexpression) or a phosphatase-defective mutant (functions as dominantly negative form) resulted in defects in gastrulation, and often generated the spina bifida phenotype with reduced head structures. Interestingly, the ratio of phosphorylated XAC to dephosphorylated XAC markedly increased from the early gastrula stage (stage 10.5), although the amount of XSSH protein markedly increased from this stage. These results suggest that gastrulation movement requires ADF/cofilin activity through dynamic regulation of its phosphorylation state.

LIM Kinase1 controls synaptic stability downstream of the type II BMP receptor

Here, we demonstrate that the BMP receptor Wishful Thinking (Wit) is required for synapse stabilization. In the absence of BMP signaling, synapse disassembly and retraction ensue. Remarkably, downstream Smad-mediated signaling cannot fully account for the stabilizing activity of the BMP receptor. We identify LIM Kinase1 (DLIMK1)-dependent signaling as a second, parallel pathway that confers the added synapse-stabilizing activity of the BMP receptor. We show that DLIMK1 binds a region of the Wit receptor that is necessary for synaptic stability but is dispensable for Smad-mediated synaptic growth. A genetic analysis demonstrates that DLIMK1 is necessary, presynaptically, for synapse stabilization, but is not necessary for normal synaptic growth or function. Furthermore, presynaptic expression of DLIMK1 in a wit or mad mutant significantly rescues synaptic stability, growth, and function. DLIMK1 localizes near synaptic microtubules and functions independently of ADF/cofilin, highlighting a novel requirement for DLIMK1 during synapse stabilization rather than actin-dependent axon outgrowth.

Neuronal migration in the murine rostral migratory stream requires serum response factor

The central nervous system is fundamentally dependent on guided cell migration, both during development and in adulthood. We report an absolute requirement of the transcription factor serum response factor (SRF) for neuronal migration in the mouse forebrain. Conditional, late-prenatal deletion of Srf causes neurons to accumulate ectopically at the subventricular zone (SVZ), a prime neurogenic region in the brain. SRF-deficient cells of the SVZ exhibit impaired tangential chain migration along the rostral migratory stream into the olfactory bulb. SVZ explants display retarded chain migration in vitro. Regarding target genes, SRF deficiency impairs expression of the beta-actin and gelsolin genes, accompanied by reduced cytoskeletal actin fiber density. At the posttranslational level, cofilin, a key regulator of actin dynamics, displays dramatically elevated inhibitory phosphorylation at Ser-3. Our studies indicate that SRF-controlled gene expression directs both the structure and dynamics of the actin microfilament, thereby determining cell-autonomous neuronal migration.

Supernumerary ring chromosome 7 mosaicism: Case report, investigation of the gene content, and delineation of the phenotype

We report a girl with severe retardation of expressive speech development carrying a small, supernumerary ring chromosome derived from the proximal region of the long arm of chromosome 7. The r(7) chromosome is present in 50% of lymphocytes. We also review the six additional cases with a supernumerary r(7) chromosome reported in the literature. Among these patients, a severe retardation of productive language capabilities is seen as a shared clinical feature, irrespective of the degree of mosaicism as detected in blood. The dysmorphisms in these patients are minor and no shared congenital abnormalities seen. We, therefore, recommend chromosomal investigations in children with unexplained, disproportionately retarded expressive speech performance. Because speech and language acquisition are subject to genetic influences, we investigated whether there are genes on the r(7) chromosome that may affect brain development or function in a dosage-dependent manner. We found that both in our patient and in four patients described by others, the supernumerary r(7) chromosome contains the region from the centromere up to marker D7S613 located at 7q11.23. We speculate that the effects on speech acquisition are mediated by the supernumerary copies of the STX1A and LIMK1 genes, which are both located in this region and known to suppress neurite growth when overexpressed in vitro.

LIM kinase 1, a key regulator of actin dynamics, is widely expressed in embryonic and adult tissues

The expression of endogenous LIM kinase 1 (LIMK1) protein was investigated in embryonic and adult mice using a rat monoclonal antibody (mAb), which recognizes specifically the PDZ domain of LIMK1 and not LIMK2. Immunoblotting analysis revealed widespread expression of LIMK1 existing as a 70-kDa protein in tissues and in cell lines, with a higher mass form (approximately 75 kDa) present in some tissues and cell lines. Smaller isoforms of approximately 50 kDa were also occasionally evident. Immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated LIMK1 subcellular localization at focal adhesions in fibroblasts as revealed by co-staining with actin, paxillin and vinculin in addition to perinuclear (Golgi) and occasional nuclear localization. Furthermore, an association between LIMK1 and paxillin but not vinculin was identified by co-immunoprecipitation analysis. LIMK1 is enriched in both axonal and dendritic growth cones of E18 rat hippocampal pyramidal neurons where it is found in punctae that extend far out into filopodia, as well as in a perinuclear region identified as Golgi. In situ, we identify LIMK1 protein expression in all embryonic and adult tissues examined, albeit at different levels and in different cell populations. The rat monoclonal LIMK1 antibody recognizes proteins of similar size in cell and tissue extracts from numerous species. Thus, LIMK1 is a widely expressed protein that exists as several isoforms.

LIM-kinase as a regulator of actin dynamics in spermatogenesis

We have identified LIM-kinase (LIMK1 and LIMK2), the only known catalytic protein among LIM-family molecules. Both LIMK1 and LIMK2 phosphorylate (inactivate) cofilin, an actin depolymerizing factor, and induce actin cytoskeleton reorganization. We as well as others concurrently demonstrated that LIMK activation was regulated by the Rho family of GTPases, and LIMK1 and LIMK2 share the distinct functional portion in Rho GTPases-mediated actin dynamics. Although evidence for their physiological significance is tenuous, several studies have focused on understanding LIMK functions, particularly in meiosis and mitosis. This review addresses recent LIMK findings, with emphasis on spermatogenesis studies, upon which future studies can shed light on the role of the LIMK/actin system in meiosis and mitosis.

SOCS3: an essential regulator of LIF receptor signaling in trophoblast giant cell differentiation

Suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) binds cytokine receptors and thereby suppresses cytokine signaling. Deletion of SOCS3 causes an embryonic lethality that is rescued by a tetraploid rescue approach, demonstrating an essential role in placental development and a non-essential role in embryo development. Rescued SOCS3-deficient mice show a perinatal lethality with cardiac hypertrophy. SOCS3-deficient placentas have reduced spongiotrophoblasts and increased trophoblast secondary giant cells. Enforced expression of SOCS3 in a trophoblast stem cell line (Rcho-1) suppresses giant cell differentiation. Conversely, SOCS3-deficient trophoblast stem cells differentiate more readily to giant cells in culture, demonstrating that SOCS3 negatively regulates trophoblast giant cell differentiation. Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) promotes giant cell differentiation in vitro, and LIF receptor (LIFR) deficiency results in loss of giant cell differentiation in vivo. Finally, LIFR deficiency rescues the SOCS3-deficient placental defect and embryonic lethality. The results establish SOCS3 as an essential regulator of LIFR signaling in trophoblast differentiation.

Signaling mechanisms that regulate actin-based motility processes in the nervous system

Actin-based motility is critical for nervous system development. Both the migration of neurons and the extension of neurites require organized actin polymerization to push the cell membrane forward. Numerous extracellular stimulants of motility and axon guidance cues regulate actin-based motility through the rho GTPases (rho, rac, and cdc42). The rho GTPases reorganize the actin cytoskeleton, leading to stress fiber, filopodium, or lamellipodium formation. The activity of the rho GTPases is regulated by a variety of proteins that either stimulate GTP uptake (activation) or hydrolysis (inactivation). These proteins potentially link extracellular signals to the activation state of rho GTPases. Effectors downstream of the rho GTPases that directly influence actin polymerization have been identified and are involved in neurite development. The Arp2/3 complex nucleates the formation of new actin branches that extend the membrane forward. Ena/VASP proteins can cause the formation of longer actin filaments, characteristic of growth cone actin morphology, by preventing the capping of barbed ends. Actin-depolymerizing factor (ADF)/cofilin depolymerizes and severs actin branches in older parts of the actin meshwork, freeing monomers to be re-incorporated into actively growing filaments. The signaling mechanisms by which extracellular cues that guide axons to their targets lead to direct effects on actin filament dynamics are becoming better understood.

LIM kinase and Diaphanous cooperate to regulate serum response factor and actin dynamics

The small GTPase RhoA controls activity of serum response factor (SRF) by inducing changes in actin dynamics. We show that in PC12 cells, activation of SRF after serum stimulation is RhoA dependent, requiring both actin polymerization and the Rho kinase (ROCK)-LIM kinase (LIMK)-cofilin signaling pathway, previously shown to control F-actin turnover. Activation of SRF by overexpression of wild-type LIMK or ROCK-insensitive LIMK mutants also requires functional RhoA, indicating that a second RhoA-dependent signal is involved. This is provided by the RhoA effector mDia: dominant interfering mDia1 derivatives inhibit both serum- and LIMK-induced SRF activation and reduce the ability of LIMK to induce F-actin accumulation. These results demonstrate a role for LIMK in SRF activation, and functional cooperation between RhoA-controlled LIMK and mDia effector pathways.

Impaired spermatogenic ability of testicular germ cells in mice deficient in the LIM-kinase 2 gene

LIM-Kinase (LIMK), including LIMK1 and LIMK2, is the only known catalytic protein among LIM-family molecules. It is well known that LIMK phosphorylates and inactivates cofilin, an actin-depolymerizing factor regulating actin reorganization, while in vivo functions have remained to be elucidated. In the present study, we generated Limk2 gene-deficient mice in which three LIMK2 isoforms were disrupted in a Cre-mediated fashion. Impaired cofilin phosphorylation was clearly observed in Limk2-/- fibroblasts stimulated with bradykinin or lysophosphatidic acid, thereby suggesting that Cdc42 or Rho-dependent LIMK activation did not occur. However, Limk2-/- mice did not exhibit embryonic lethality or any phenotypic abnormalities in postnatal growth and development, except for spermatogenesis in the testis. The testes of Limk2-/- mice were smaller in size and partial degeneration of spermatogenic cells in the seminiferous tubules was apparent in association with increased apoptosis. In addition, the viability of Limk2-/- spermatogenic cells, when cultured under stressed conditions, was diminished. Furthermore, the potential for germ cells to differentiate in a regenerative state was severely impaired in Limk2-/- testis. Experimental hyperthermia induced impairment of ADF/cofilin phosphorylation and the formation of intranuclear cofilin inclusions in mutant germ cells. Based on these findings, we propose that LIMK2, especially the testis-specific isoform tLIMK2, plays an important role in proper progression of spermatogenesis by regulation of cofilin activity and/or localization in germ cells.

Rho kinases play an obligatory role in vertebrate embryonic organogenesis

Rho-associated kinases (Rho kinases), which are downstream effectors of RhoA GTPase, regulate diverse cellular functions including actin cytoskeletal organization. We have demonstrated that Rho kinases also direct the early stages of chick and mouse embryonic morphogenesis. We observed that Rho kinase transcripts were enriched in cardiac mesoderm, lateral plate mesoderm and the neural plate. Treatment of neurulating embryos with Y27632, a specific inhibitor of Rho kinases, blocked migration and fusion of the bilateral heart primordia, formation of the brain and neural tube, caudalward movement of Hensen’s node, and establishment of normal left-right asymmetry. Moreover, Y27632 induced precocious expression of cardiac α-actin, an early marker of cardiomyocyte differentiation, coincident with the upregulated expression of serum response factor and GATA4. In addition, specific antisense oligonucleotides significantly diminished Rho kinase mRNA levels and replicated many of the teratologies induced by Y27632. Thus, our study reveals new biological functions for Rho kinases in regulating major morphogenetic events during early chick and mouse development.

Functional involvement of Xenopus LIM kinases in progression of oocyte maturation

LIM kinases (LIMK), including LIMK1 and LIMK2, are unique LIM-family proteins containing a catalytic (kinase) domain. These kinases phosphorylate an actin-depolymerizing factor, cofilin, involved in the regulation of actin-filament dynamics. An unanswered question is the in vivo function of LIMK and how they contribute to development. When we cloned Xenopus homologues of mammalian LIMK, Xlimk1 and Xlimk2, we found that their mRNA and products were abundantly expressed in oocytes. In addition, we obtained evidence for the functional involvement of Xlimk1/2 during oocyte maturation. The microinjection of Xlimk1/2 mRNA into progesterone-treated oocytes significantly inhibited the appearance of a white maturation spot (WMS), an indicator of entry into meiosis. In oocytes lacking a WMS, the organization and/or migration of the microtubule-derived precursor of the meiotic spindle was predominantly affected. We also found that the ectopic expression of Xlimk1/2 clearly prevented dephosphorylation (activation) of Xenopus cofilin (XAC) during oocyte maturation. Furthermore, co-injection of Xlimk1/2 with the constitutively active type of XAC overcame the inhibitory effects by Xlimk1/2, suggesting that XLIMK-induced abnormality in oocyte maturation was mediated by XAC inactivation. Based on these findings, we propose that XLIMK is a putative regulator of cytoskeletal rearrangements during oocyte maturation, and the interaction between XLIMK activity and microtubule dynamics seems highly likely.

LIM kinase 1 accumulates in presynaptic terminals during synapse maturation

LIM kinase 1 (LIMK1) is a cytoplasmic protein kinase that is highly expressed in neurons. In transfected cells, LIMK1 binds to the cytoplasmic tail of neuregulins and regulates the breakdown of actin filaments. To identify potential functions of LIMK1 in vivo, we have determined the subcellular distribution of LIMK1 protein within neurons of the rat by using immunomicroscopy. At neuromuscular synapses in the adult hindlimb, LIMK1 was concentrated in the presynaptic terminal. However, little LIMK1 immunoreactivity was detected at neuromuscular synapses before the 2nd week after birth, and most motoneuron terminals were not strongly LIMK1 immunoreactive until the 3rd week after birth. Thus, LIMK1 accumulation at neuromuscular synapses coincided with their maturation. In contrast, SV2, like many other presynaptic terminal proteins, can be readily detected at neuromuscular synapses in the embryo. Similar to its late accumulation at developing synapses, LIMK1 accumulation at regenerating neuromuscular synapses occurred long after these synapses first formed. In the adult ventral spinal cord, LIMK1 was concentrated in a subset of presynaptic terminals. LIMK1 gradually accumulated at spinal cord synapses postnatally, reaching adult levels only after P14. This study is the first to implicate LIMK1 in the function of presynaptic terminals. The concentration of LIMK1 in adult, but not nascent, presynaptic terminals suggests a role for this kinase in regulating the structural or functional characteristics of mature synapses.

Structural features of LIM kinase that control effects on the actin cytoskeleton

LIM kinase phosphorylates and inactivates the actin binding/depolymerizing factor cofilin and induces actin cytoskeletal changes. Several unique structural features within LIM kinase were investigated for their roles in regulation of LIM kinase activity. Disruption of the second LIM domain or the PDZ domain or deletion of the entire amino terminus increased activity in vivo measured as increasing aggregation of the actin cytoskeleton. A kinase-deleted alternate splice product was identified and characterized. This alternate splice product and a kinase inactive mutant inhibited LIM kinase in vivo, indicating that the amino terminus suppresses activity of the kinase domain. Mutation of threonine 508 in the activation loop to valine abolished activity whereas replacement with 2 glutamic acid residues resulted in a fully active enzyme. Dephosphorylation of LIM kinase inhibited cofilin phosphorylation. Mutation of the basic insert in the activation loop inhibited activity in vivo, but not in vitro. These results indicate phosphorylation is an essential regulatory feature of LIM kinase and indicate that threonine 508 and the adjacent basic insert sequences of the activation loop are required for this process. A combination of structural features are thus involved in receiving upstream signals that regulate LIM kinase-induced actin cytoskeletal reorganization.

A novel transcript encoding truncated LIM kinase 2 is specifically expressed in male germ cells undergoing meiosis

LIM kinases, composed of LIMK1 and LIMK2, have unique structural features that contain two LIM motifs at the N-terminus and a catalytic domain at the C-terminus. We report evidence of a novel type of mouse LIMK2 (Limk2) transcript specifically expressed in testis. cDNA cloning showed this Limk2 variant, designated tLimk2, lacked LIM domains at the N-terminus, due to usage of a testis-specific, alternative initiation exon. In Northern blot analysis, tLimk2 was detected in intact adult testis, but not in germ-cell-deficient or immature testis, indicating the stage-specific expression of tLimk2 in spermatogenic cells. In situ hybridization clearly demonstrated that tLimk2 was restrictedly expressed in differentiated germ cells (pachytene spermatocytes to round spermatids) and not expressed in early stages of spermatogenic cells and somatic cells in testis. These results suggested the possibility that the tLimk2 product is involved in spermatogenesis, especially in meiotic and/or postmeiotic processes.

Transmembrane neuregulins interact with LIM kinase 1, a cytoplasmic protein kinase implicated in development of visuospatial cognition

The neuregulins are receptor tyrosine kinase ligands that play a critical role in the development of the heart, nervous system, and breast. Unlike many extracellular signaling molecules, such as the neurotrophins, most neuregulins are synthesized as transmembrane proteins. To determine the functions of the highly conserved neuregulin cytoplasmic tail, a yeast two-hybrid screen was performed to identify proteins that interact with the 157-amino acid sequence common to the cytoplasmic tails of all transmembrane neuregulin isoforms. This screen revealed that the neuregulin cytoplasmic tail interacts with the LIM domain region of the nonreceptor protein kinase LIM kinase 1 (LIMK1). Interaction between the neuregulin cytoplasmic tail and full-length LIMK1 was demonstrated by in vitro binding and co-immunoprecipitation assays. Transmembrane neuregulins with each of the three known neuregulin cytoplasmic tail isoforms interacted with LIMK1. In contrast, the cytoplasmic tail of TGF-alpha did not interact with LIMK1. In vivo, neuregulin and LIMK1 are co-localized at the neuromuscular synapse, suggesting that LIMK1, like neuregulin, may play a role in synapse formation and maintenance. To our knowledge, LIMK1 is the first identified protein shown to interact with the cytoplasmic tail of a receptor tyrosine kinase ligand.

Serine and threonine phosphorylation of the paxillin LIM domains regulates paxillin focal adhesion localization and cell adhesion to fibronectin

We have previously shown that the LIM domains of paxillin operate as the focal adhesion (FA)-targeting motif of this protein. In the current study, we have identified the capacity of paxillin LIM2 and LIM3 to serve as binding sites for, and substrates of serine/threonine kinases. The activities of the LIM2- and LIM3-associated kinases were stimulated after adhesion of CHO.K1 cells to fibronectin; consequently, a role for LIM domain phosphorylation in regulating the subcellular localization of paxillin after adhesion to fibronectin was investigated. An avian paxillin-CHO.K1 model system was used to explore the role of paxillin phosphorylation in paxillin localization to FAs. We found that mutations of paxillin that mimicked LIM domain phosphorylation accelerated fibronectin-induced localization of paxillin to focal contacts. Further, blocking phosphorylation of the LIM domains reduced cell adhesion to fibronectin, whereas constitutive LIM domain phosphorylation significantly increased the capacity of cells to adhere to fibronectin. The potentiation of FA targeting and cell adhesion to fibronectin was specific to LIM domain phosphorylation as mutation of the amino-terminal tyrosine and serine residues of paxillin that are phosphorylated in response to fibronectin adhesion had no effect on the rate of FA localization or cell adhesion. This represents the first demonstration of the regulation of protein localization through LIM domain phosphorylation and suggests a novel mechanism of regulating LIM domain function. Additionally, these results provide the first evidence that paxillin contributes to "inside-out" integrin-mediated signal transduction.

Cytoplasmic localization of LIM-kinase 1 is directed by a short sequence within the PDZ domain

LIM-containing protein kinase 1 (LIMK1) is a serine/threonine kinase with a structure composed of two LIM domains, a PDZ domain, and a protein kinase domain. We examined the subcellular localization of LIMK1 and its variously deleted mutants in HeLa cells by transfection with these cDNAs. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed that the full-length LIMK1 and its mutants deleted with LIM domain or protein kinase domain preferentially localized in the cytoplasm, while the mutants deleted with the PDZ domain or a 52 amino acid region (B region) within the PDZ domain localized mainly in the nucleus. When the normally nuclear cyclin A was fused with the PDZ domain or the B region of LIMK1, it was localized in the cytoplasm of transfected cells. The corresponding region of the PDZ domain of postsynaptic density protein (PSD)-95 had no such function. Additionally, the PDZ domain of LIMK1 had no potential to bind to the C-terminal S/TXV peptides, to which the PSD-95 PDZ domain can bind. Taken together these results suggest that the PDZ domain, particularly the B region, of LIMK1 has a specific function to localize the protein in the cytoplasm. When glutathione S-transferase (GST) fused with the PDZ domain of LIMK1 (GST-PDZ) or GST-PDZ deleted with the B region (GST-PDZ delta B) was microinjected into the nucleus of COS cells, GST-PDZ was almost completely excluded from the nucleus within 30 min, whereas GST-PDZ delta B remained in the nucleus. These findings suggest that the B region of LIMK1 probably has nuclear export signal activity.

Identification of testis-specific (Limk2t) and brain-specific (Limk2c) isoforms of mouse LIM-kinase 2 gene transcripts

LIM-kinase 1 (LIMK1) and LIM-kinase 2 (LIMK2) are members of a novel serine/threonine kinase subfamily with structural features composed of N-terminal two LIM domains, an internal PDZ-like domain, and a C-terminal protein kinase domain. We recently identified and characterized the mouse Limk2 gene and two Limk2 transcripts (Limk2a and Limk2b) coding for proteins with distinct N-terminal LIM structures. Here we describe two additional transcripts of the mouse Limk2 gene. One is a 1.7-kb transcript, termed Limk2t, which is specifically expressed in the testis and codes for an N-terminally truncated form of LIMK2 consisting of only a part of a PDZ-like domain and a protein kinase domain. The other is a transcript, termed Limk2c, which is specifically expressed in the brain and codes for a protein with a 6-amino-acid insert within the protein kinase domain. Exons specific to the 5'-terminal extra sequence of Limk2t and the insert sequence of Limk2c locate between exons 5-6 and exons 8-9 in the mouse Limk2 gene, respectively. Testis- and brain-specific expression of Limk2t and Limk2c suggests specific roles in these tissues.

The Hand1 bHLH transcription factor is essential for placentation and cardiac morphogenesis

The placenta and cardiovascular system are the first organ systems to form during mammalian embryogenesis. We show here that a single gene is critical for development of both. The Hand1 gene, previously called Hxt, eHAND and Thing1, encodes a basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor that starts to be expressed during pre-implantation development. After implantation, Hand1 expression is restricted to placental trophoblast cells and later to embryonic cardiac and neural crest cells. We generated Hand1-null mutant mice by gene targetting. Homozygous mutant embryos arrested by embryonic day (E) 7.5 of gestation with defects in trophoblast giant cell differentiation. This early mortality could be rescued by aggregation of mutant embryos with wild-type tetraploid embryos, which contribute wild-type cells to the trophoblast, but not the embryo. By E10.5, however, the Hand1-null fetuses derived from tetraploid chimaeras died due to cardiac failure. Their heart tubes showed abnormal looping and ventricular myocardial differentiation. Therefore, Hand1 is essential for differentiation of both trophoblast and cardiomyocytes, which are embryologically distinct cell lineages.

Mouse LIM-kinase 2 gene: cDNA cloning, genomic organization, and tissue-specific expression of two alternatively initiated transcripts

LIM-kinase 1 and LIM-kinase 2 (LIMK1 and LIMK2) are members of a novel protein kinase subfamily containing LIM motifs at the N-terminus. There are two isoforms of Limk2 transcripts coding proteins with distinct N-terminal structures: LIMK2a, containing two LIM motifs, and LIMK2b, with one and one-half LIM motifs. Here we report the cDNA and genomic structures of mouse LIMK2. The deduced 638-aminoacid sequence of mouse LIMK2a shows 98% identity with that of rat LIMK2a. The mouse Limk2a gene consists of at least 16 exons and spans more than 50 kb. Exon/intron boundaries of the mouse Limk2a gene are exactly conserved with those of the mouse Limk1 gene. An additional exon encoding the Limk2b-specific 5'-terminal sequence was found to be located between exons 2 and 3, suggesting that Limk2a and 2b mRNAs are transcribed from a single Limk2 gene by an alternative usage of exons near the 5' end of the gene. Limk2a and Limk2b transcripts were expressed at different ratios in a variety of mouse tissues.

A novel neuroendocrine intracellular signaling pathway

Expression of many components of the secretory pathway in peptidergic neuroendocrine cells is precisely controlled in response to secretagogues. Regulated endocrine-specific protein (RESP18) was identified as a dopamine-regulated intermediate pituitary transcript. Although the amino acid sequence of RESP18 initially suggested that it might be a novel preprohormone, its widespread expression in peptide-producing neurons and endocrine cells and its localization to the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum suggested that it subserves a unique function. Subtractive hybridization of a pituitary corticotrope AtT-20 cell line engineered for inducible RESP18 expression demonstrated a RESP18-dependent induction of several transcripts. Regulation of RESP18 expression in vitro and in vivo was accompanied by changes in the same transcripts. Several cDNAs encoding transcripts up-regulated by RESP18 were analyzed by DNA sequencing, searching the GenBank databases for homologous proteins, and Northern blotting. One novel clone showed a tissue distribution nearly identical to that of RESP18. One clone was identical to rat LIMK2, a protein kinase containing modular protein-protein interaction LIM (lin-11, isl-1, mec-3) domains. Another clone was similar to monomeric bacterial isocitrate dehydrogenases. Like the unfolded protein response, these data demonstrate a novel signaling pathway from the secretory pathway lumen to the nucleus. RESP18 acts as a lumicrine peptide (an intracellular luminal autocrine hormone) inducing this pathway.

Genomic structure of a novel LIM domain gene (ZNF185) in Xq28 and comparisons with the orthologous murine transcript

Construction of a transcript map in the DXS52 region in Xq28 had previously led to the isolation of a cDNA with a LIM zinc finger domain in the carboxyl terminus. In parallel, the orthologous murine transcript was isolated from the syntenic region. The human and mouse cDNAs have been designated ZNF185 and Zfp185, respectively. By integrating the cDNA sequence with the cosmid-derived genomic sequence the exon-intron structure of the 3' end of the ZNF185 gene was resolved. Comparative sequence analyses of the human genomic sequence with the full-length murine cDNA facilitated prediction of the 5' end of the gene. The selective expression of three transcripts corresponding to the ZNF185 gene and a related gene was shown by Northern and Southern blots. In situ hybridizations revealed a nonubiquitous and stage-specific expression of Zfp185, especially in differentiating connective tissue. Since LIM proteins regulate cellular proliferation and/or differentiation by diverse mechanisms, and some have directly been associated with disease, conceivably ZNF185 may represent a candidate for a disease-causing gene linked to Xq28. Knowledge of the genomic structure will permit detailed mutation analyses.

Xenopus LIM motif-containing protein kinase, Xlimk1, is expressed in the developing head structure of the embryo

The LIM double zinc finger motif locates in several developmentally functioning and cytoskeletal proteins, and is considered to act as a specific motif for protein-protein interactions. LIM kinase (LIMK) is a novel protein kinase containing two LIM motifs at the N-terminal, the function of which has yet to be clearly defined. In this study, we cloned a cDNA encoding Xenopus counterpart of human LIMK1 gene by RT-PCR mediated cloning, and designated in Xlimk1. Xlimk1 is highly homologous to mammalian LIMK1 in each structural domain, particularly in LIM and protein kinase domains. In Northern blot analysis, two distinct Xlimk1 transcripts of 9.0 Kb and 3.7 Kb were present in early cleavage stages of the embryo. Both mRNA species were subsequently decreased at the gastrula stages. The 9.0 Kb of Xlimk1 mRNA again appeared in late neurula stage, then the expression level gradually increased in later stages of the embryo. Whole-mount in situ hybridization analysis showed the localization of Xlimk1 transcripts in the animal half of the blastula embryo. In post-neurula stages, specific signals for Xlimk1 were predominant in the anterior (head) region of the embryo, including developing brain, hyoid and branchial arches, and anlagen of sensory organs. These results indicate that Xlimk1 may play an important role in neural development and formation of anterior (head) structures in the Xenopus embryo.

Comparison of tissue distribution of two novel serine/threonine kinase genes containing the LIM motif (LIMK-1 and LIMK-2) in the developing rat

We previously isolated two novel serine/threonine kinase genes containing the LIM motif (LIMK-1 and LIMK-2) from a rat cDNA library. To examine the functions of these genes, we performed in situ hybridization in the developing rat nervous system. LIMK-1 and LIMK-2 mRNAs mostly co-localized during development and are expressed preferentially in the central nervous system during mid-to-late gestation but the signals decreased during the post-natal period. However, differential gene expression was observed in some nuclei in the CNS; LIMK-1 mRNA was intensely expressed in the facial motor nucleus, the hypoglossal nucleus, deep nuclei of the cerebellum and the layers 3, 5 and 6 of the adult cerebral cortex while only LIMK-2 mRNA was preferentially expressed in the some parts of the epithelium. In the nasal cavity, LIMK-1 and LIMK-2 mRNAs were expressed complementarily. Our results suggest that LIMK-1 and LIMK-2 may have different functions in these regions during development.

Self-association of LIM-kinase 1 mediated by the interaction between an N-terminal LIM domain and a C-terminal kinase domain

LIM-kinase 1 (LIMK1) and 2 (LIMK2) are members of a novel class of protein kinases containing two LIM motifs at the N-terminus. The LIM motif is thought to be involved in protein-protein interactions. We report here evidence that LIMK1 self-associates and also associates with LIMK2. In vivo and in vitro binding analyses using variously deleted mutants of LIMKI revealed that the self-association of LIMK1 was caused by interaction between the N-terminal LIM domain and the C-terminal kinase domain. The association of LIMK1 with itself and with LIMK2 is important for understanding how activities and functions of LIMK family kinases are regulated.

Suppression of fibroblast cell growth by overexpression of LIM-kinase 1

LIM-kinase 1 (LIMK1) is a serine/threonine kinase containing two LIM motifs at the N-terminus. The functional role of LIMK1 has remained unknown. In this study, we examined the role of LIMK1 in cell growth of fibroblasts. Induced expression of LIMK1 in NIH3T3 cells led to growth retardation. Transfection of LIMK1 sense cDNA into NIH3T3 and H-ras-transformed FYJ10 fibroblasts significantly suppressed colony formation of these cells. In contrast, transfection with LIMK1 antisense cDNA strongly stimulated colony formation of the NIH3T3 cells. These findings suggest that LIMK1 functions as a negative regulator of fibroblast cell growth, and may play a role in tumor suppression.

LIM-kinase1 hemizygosity implicated in impaired visuospatial constructive cognition

To identify genes important for human cognitive development, we studied Williams syndrome (WS), a developmental disorder that includes poor visuospatial constructive cognition. Here we describe two families with a partial WS phenotype; affected members have the specific WS cognitive profile and vascular disease, but lack other WS features. Submicroscopic chromosome 7q11.23 deletions cosegregate with this phenotype in both families. DNA sequence analyses of the region affected by the smallest deletion (83.6 kb) revealed two genes, elastin (ELN) and LIM-kinase1 (LIMK1). The latter encodes a novel protein kinase with LIM domains and is strongly expressed in the brain. Because ELN mutations cause vascular disease but not cognitive abnormalities, these data implicate LIMK1 hemizygosity in imparied visuospatial constructive cognition.