Differential regulation of adhesion complex turnover by ROCK1 and ROCK2.

ABSTRACT:

Background

ROCK1 and ROCK2 are serine/threonine kinases that function downstream of the small GTP-binding protein RhoA. Rho signalling via ROCK regulates a number of cellular functions including organisation of the actin cytoskeleton, cell adhesion and cell migration.

Methodology/principal findings

In this study we use RNAi to specifically knockdown ROCK1 and ROCK2 and analyse their role in assembly of adhesion complexes in human epidermal keratinocytes. We observe that loss of ROCK1 inhibits signalling via focal adhesion kinase resulting in a failure of immature adhesion complexes to form mature stable focal adhesions. In contrast, loss of ROCK2 expression results in a significant reduction in adhesion complex turnover leading to formation of large, stable focal adhesions.

SUBMITTER: Lock FE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3278444 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature