Background information
LIMK 1 and 2 likely regulate aspects of the cytoskeleton, through control of the organization of actin filaments. They can phosphorylate an actin-binding protein, cofilin which binds to actin monomers and polymers and promotes the disassembly of actin filament.The phosphorylation of cofilin via LIMK inactivates this potential. LIMK1 is highly active in the brain and spinal chord, where it is believed to be involved in the development of nerve cells whilst LIMK2 is ubiquitously expressed in many adult tissues. LIMK1 may play an important role in areas of the brain that are responsible for processing visual-spatial information (visuospatial constructive cognition). These parts of the brain are important for visualizing an object as a set of parts and performing tasks such as writing, drawing, constructing models, and assembling puzzles. LIMK1 is specifically stimulated by Rac, one of the Rho family proteins, while LIMK2 activity is activated under the control of other Rho family members, Rho and Cdc42, suggesting that two distinct pathways exist in the Rho family driven actin cytoskeleton dynamics.
