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Active ERK/MAP kinase is targeted to newly forming cell–matrix adhesions by integrin engagement and v‐Src
Author(s) -
Fincham V.J.,
James M.,
Frame M.C.,
Winder S.J.
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
the embo journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 7.484
H-Index - 392
eISSN - 1460-2075
pISSN - 0261-4189
DOI - 10.1093/emboj/19.12.2911
Subject(s) - focal adhesion , microbiology and biotechnology , mapk/erk pathway , integrin , biology , myosin light chain kinase , proto oncogene tyrosine protein kinase src , ptk2 , cell adhesion , cytoskeleton , myosin , kinase , phosphorylation , mitogen activated protein kinase kinase , protein kinase a , cell , biochemistry
Integrin engagement generates cellular signals leading to the recruitment of structural and signalling molecules which, in concert with rearrangements of the actin cytoskeleton, leads to the formation of focal adhesion complexes. Using antisera reactive either with total ERK or with phosphorylated/activated forms of ERK, in rat embryo fibroblasts and embryonic avian cells that express v‐Src, we found that active ERK is targeted to newly forming focal adhesions after integrin engagement or activation of v‐Src. UO126, an inhibitor of MAP kinase kinase 1 (MEK1), suppressed focal adhesion targeting of active ERK and cell spreading. Also, integrin engagement and v‐Src induced myosin light chain kinase (MLCK)‐dependent phosphorylation of myosin light chain downstream of the MEK/ERK pathway, and MLCK and myosin activities are required for the focal adhesion targeting of ERK. The translocation of active ERK to newly forming focal adhesions may direct specificity towards appropriate downstream targets that influence adhesion assembly. These findings support a role for ERK in the regulation of the adhesion/cytoskeletal network and provide an explanation for the role of ERK in cell motility.