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  • Title: The role of integrin-linked kinase in the molecular architecture of focal adhesions.
    Author: Elad N, Volberg T, Patla I, Hirschfeld-Warneken V, Grashoff C, Spatz JP, Fässler R, Geiger B, Medalia O.
    Journal: J Cell Sci; 2013 Sep 15; 126(Pt 18):4099-107. PubMed ID: 23843624.
    Abstract:
    Integrin-mediated focal adhesions (FAs) are large, multi-protein complexes that link the actin cytoskeleton to the extracellular matrix and take part in adhesion-mediated signaling. These adhesions are highly complex and diverse at the molecular level; thus, assigning particular structural or signaling functions to specific components is highly challenging. Here, we combined functional, structural and biophysical approaches to assess the role of a major FA component, namely, integrin-linked kinase (ILK), in adhesion formation. We show here that ILK plays a key role in the formation of focal complexes, early forms of integrin adhesions, and confirm its involvement in the assembly of fibronectin-bound fibrillar adhesions. Examination of ILK-null fibroblasts by cryo-electron tomography pointed to major structural changes in their FAs, manifested as disarray of the associated actin filaments and an increase in the packing density of FA-related particles. Interestingly, adhesion of the mutant cells to the substrate required a higher ligand density than in control cells. These data indicate that ILK has a key role in integrin adhesion assembly and sub-structure, and in the regulation of the FA-associated cytoskeleton.
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