New roles of G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) in cell migration

G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) was initially identified as a key player, together with beta-arrestins, in the regulation of multiple G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR). Further research has revealed a complex GRK2 interactome, that includes a variety of proteins related to cell motility, and a role for GRK2 kinase activity in inhibiting chemokine-induced immune cell migration. In addition, we have recently reported that GRK2 positively regulates integrin and sphingosine-1-phosphate-dependent motility in epithelial cell types and fibroblasts, acting as a scaffold molecule. We suggest that the positive or negative correlation of GRK2 levels with cell migration would depend on the cell type, specific stimuli acting through plasma membrane receptors, or on the signalling context, leading to differential networks of interaction of GRK2 with cell migration-related signalosomes.