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SLK-mediated phosphorylation of paxillin is required for focal adhesion turnover and cell migration

Oncogene volume 32, pages 4656–4663 (2013)Cite this article

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Abstract

Focal adhesion turnover is a complex process required for cell migration. We have previously shown that the Ste20-like kinase (SLK) is required for cell migration and efficient focal adhesion (FA) turnover in a FA kinase (FAK)-dependent manner. However, the role of SLK in this process remains unclear. Using a candidate substrate approach, we show that SLK phosphorylates the adhesion adapter protein paxillin on serine 250. Serine 250 phosphorylation is required for paxillin redistribution and cell motility. Mutation of paxillin serine 250 prevents its phosphorylation by SLK in vitro and results in impaired migration in vivo as evidenced by an accumulation of phospho-FAK-Tyr397 and altered FA turnover rates. Together, our data suggest that SLK phosphorylation of paxillin on serine 250 is required for FAK-dependent FA dynamics.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the Canadian Institute for Health Research and the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. JLQ, KB and KNA-Z are the recipient of a Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation scholar award. LAS is the recipient of a CIHR scholar award. PO is the recipient of an OGSST studentship.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

    J L Quizi, K Baron, K N Al-Zahrani, P O'Reilly, R K Sriram & L A Sabourin

  2. Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

    J L Quizi, K Baron, K N Al-Zahrani, R K Sriram, J Conway, A-A Laurin & L A Sabourin

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  1. J L Quizi
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  2. K Baron
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  3. K N Al-Zahrani
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Correspondence to L A Sabourin.

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Quizi, J., Baron, K., Al-Zahrani, K. et al. SLK-mediated phosphorylation of paxillin is required for focal adhesion turnover and cell migration. Oncogene 32, 4656–4663 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1038/onc.2012.488

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