Overview:

LIMK1 or LIM domain kinase 1 contains a unique combination of 2 N-terminal LIM domain and a C-terminal protein kinase domain. LIM domains are highly conserved cysteine-rich structures containing 2 zinc fingers that can bind to DNA/RNA as well as mediating protein-protein interactions (1). LIMK1 is thought to be a component of an intracellular signaling pathway that may be involved in brain development especially development of nerve cells. LIMK1 may play an important role in areas of the brain that are responsible for processing visual-spatial information (visuospatial constructive cognition). LIMK1 can regulate aspects of the cytoskeleton, the structural framework that helps to determine cell shape, size, and movement (2).

References:

1. Davila, M. et al: LIM kinase 1 is essential for the invasive growth of prostate epithelial cells: implications in prostate cancer. J Biol Chem. 2003;19;278(38):36868-75.

2. Davila, M. et al: Expression of LIM kinase 1 is associated with reversible G1/S phase arrest, chromosomal instability and prostate cancer. Mol Cancer. 2007;8;6:40.