Paxillin and focal adhesion signalling

To facilitate a rapid response to environmental change, cells use scaffoldi ng - or adaptor - proteins to recruit key components of their signal-transd uction machinery to specific subcellular locations. Paxillin is a multi-dom ain adaptor found at the interface between the plasma membrane and the acti n cytoskeleton. Here it provides a platform for the integration and process ing of adhesion- and growth factor-related signals.