Roles of LIM kinases in central nervous system function and dysfunction

LIM kinase 1 (LIMK1) and LIM kinase 2 (LIMK2) regulate actin dynamics by phosphorylating cofilin. In this review, we outline studies that have shown an involvement of LIMKs in neuronal function and we detail some of the pathways and molecular mechanisms involving LIMKs in neurodevelopment and synaptic plasticity. We also review the involvement of LIMKs in neuronal diseases and emphasize the differences in the regulation of LIMKs expression and mode of action. We finally present the existence of a cofilin-independent pathway also involved in neuronal function. A better understanding of the differences between both LIMKs and of the precise molecular mechanisms involved in their mode of action and regulation is now required to improve our understanding of the physiopathology of the neuronal diseases associated with LIMKs.