Rho-kinase in human neutrophils: a role in signalling for myosin light chain phosphorylation and cell migration

Abstract 

The role of a Rho-associated coiled-coil forming kinase in migration of neutrophils has been investigated. Rho-associated coiled-coil forming kinase I was expressed in human neutrophils. Chemotactic peptide led to a Rho-associated coiled-coil forming kinase-dependent increase in phosphorylation of myosin light chain. This was determined with the help of an antibody directed against serine 19-phosphorylated myosin light chain and an inhibitor of Rho-associated coiled-coil forming kinase (Y-27632). Y-27632 suppressed myosin light chain phosphorylation and chemotactic peptide-induced development of cell polarity and locomotion with similar potency (ED₅₀ 0.5–1.1 μM). The data strongly suggest that a Rho-associated coiled-coil forming kinase isoform, activated in human neutrophils exposed to chemotactic peptide, is important for motile functions of these cells.

Keywords:  Rho-associated coiled-coil forming kinase, Cell migration, Myosin light chain, Signal transduction, Human neutrophil

Abbreviations:  fNLPNTL, N-formyl-l-norleucyl-l-leucyl-l-phenylalanyl-l-norleucyl-l-tyrosyl-l-lysine, HSA, human serum albumin, MLC, myosin light chain, ROCK, Rho-associated coiled-coil forming kinase