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.[7]
Scott RW, Olson MF (Jun 2007). "LIM kinases: function, regulation and association with human disease". Journal of Molecular Medicine. 85 (6): 555–68. doi:10.1007/s00109-007-0165-6. PMID17294230. S2CID8881246.
Osada H, Hasada K, Inazawa J, Uchida K, Ueda R, Takahashi T, Takahashi T (13 Dec 1996). "Subcellular localization and protein interaction of the human LIMK2 gene expressing alternative transcripts with tissue-specific regulation". Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications. 229 (2): 582–9. doi:10.1006/bbrc.1996.1847. PMID8954941.
Yang N, Higuchi O, Ohashi K, Nagata K, Wada A, Kangawa K, Nishida E, Mizuno K (Jun 1998). "Cofilin phosphorylation by LIM-kinase 1 and its role in Rac-mediated actin reorganization". Nature. 393 (6687): 809–12. Bibcode:1998Natur.393..809Y. doi:10.1038/31735. PMID9655398. S2CID4326365.
Nomoto S, Tatematsu Y, Takahashi T, Osada H (Aug 1999). "Cloning and characterization of the alternative promoter regions of the human LIMK2 gene responsible for alternative transcripts with tissue-specific expression". Gene. 236 (2): 259–71. doi:10.1016/S0378-1119(99)00280-2. PMID10452946.
