Integrin-linked kinase (ILK): a regulator of integrin and growth-factor signalling

Interaction of cells with the extracellular matrix (ECM) results in the reg ulation of cell growth, differentiation and migration by coordinated signal transduction through integrins and growth-factor receptors. Integrins achi eve signalling by interacting with intracellular effecters that couple inte grins and growth-factor receptors to downstream components. One well-studie d effector is focal-adhesion kinase (FAK) but recently another protein kina se, integrin-linked kinase (ILK) has been identified as a receptor-proximal effector of integrin and growth-factor signalling. ILK appears to interact with and be influenced by a number of different signalling pathways, and t his provides new routes for integrin-mediated signalling. This article disc usses ILK structure and function and recent genetic and biochemical evidenc e about the role of ILK in signal transduction.