Roles for the tubulin- and PTP-PEST-binding paxillin LIM domains in cell adhesion and motility

Cell dynamics mediated through cell-extracellular matrix contacts, such as adhesion and motility involve the precise regulation of large complexes of structural and signaling molecules called focal adhesions (FAs), Paxillin is a multi-domain FA adaptor protein containing five amino-terminal paxillin leucine-aspartate repeat (LD) motifs and four carboxyl-terminal Lin-11 Isl-1 and Mec-3 (LIM) domains. The LD motifs support paxillin binding to actopaxin, integrin linked kinase (ILK). FA kinase (FAK). paxillin kinase linker (PKL) and vinculin. Of the LIM domains, LIM2 and 3 comprise the paxillin FA-targeting motif, with phosphorylation of these domains modulating paxillin targeting and cell adhesion to fibronectin (Fn). The identity of the paxillin FA targeting partner remains to be determined; however, the LIM domains mediate interactions with tubulin and the protein-tyrosine phosphatase (PTP)-PEST. PTP-PEST binding requires both LIM3 and 4, whereas, the precise LIM target of tubulin binding is not known. In this report. we demonstrate that the indiVidUal paxillin LIM2 and 3 domains,, support specific binding to tubulin and suggest a potential role for this interaction in the regulation of paxillin sub-cellular compartmentalization. In addition, express,ion of paxillin molecules with Mutations in the tubuling and PTP-PEST-binding LIM domains differentially impaired Chinese hamster ovary K I (CHOX I) cell adhesion and migration to Fn. Perturbation of LIM3 or 4 inhibited adhesion while mutation of LIM2 or 4 decreased cell motility. Interestingly, expression of tandem LIM2-3 inhibited cell adhesion and spreading while LIM3-4 Stimulated a well-spread polarized phenotype. These data offer further support for a critical role for paxillin in cell adhesion and motility. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.