Magic™ Anti-LIM kinase 1 + 2 polyclonal antibody

A recent study has shown that miR-134, a brain-specific microRNA, is present in dendrites where it represses the local synthesis of the protein kinase LimK1; this is a novel form of translational regulation in dendrites and may have important physiological implications.

LIM kinase 1 (LIMK1) activity is essential for cell migration and cell cycle progression. Little is known about LIMK1 expression and function in mammalian oocytes. In the present study we assessed LIMK1 protein expression, subcellular distribution and function during mouse oocyte meiosis. Western blot analysis revealed high and stable expression of LIMK1 from the germinal vesicle (GV) to MII stage. In contrast, activated LIMK1 (i.e. LIMK1 phosphorylated at threonine 508 (pLIMK1(Thr508))) was only detected after GV breakdown, with levels increasing gradually to peak at MI and MII. Immunofluorescence showed pLIMK1(Thr508) was colocalised with the microtubule organising centre (MTOC) components pericentrin and-tubulin at the spindle poles. A direct interaction between-tubulin and pLIMK1(Thr508) was confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation. LIMK inhibition with 1M BMS3 damaged MTOC protein localisation to spindle poles, undermined the formation and positioning of functional MTOC and thus disrupted spindle formation and chromosome alignment. These effects were phenocopied by microinjection of LIMK1 antibody into mouse oocytes. In summary, the data demonstrate that LIMK activity is essential for MTOC organisation and distribution and so bipolar spindle formation and maintenance in mouse oocytes.