v-Src-dependent down-regulation of the Ste20-like kinase SLK by casein kinase II.

We have previously shown that the Ste20-like kinase SLK is a microtubule-associated protein inducing actin stress fiber disassembly. Here, we show that v-Src expression can down-regulate SLK activity. This down-regulation is independent of focal adhesion kinase but requires v-Src kinase activity and membrane translocation. SLK down-regulation by v-Src is indirect and is accompanied by SLK hyperphosphorylation on serine residues. Deletion analysis revealed that casein kinase II (CK2) sites at position 347/348 are critical for v-Src-dependent modulation of SLK activity. Further studies show that CK2 can directly phosphorylate SLK at these positions and that inhibition of CK2 in v-Src-transformed cells results in normal kinase activity. Finally, CK2 and SLK can be co-localized in fibroblasts spreading on fibronectin-coated substrates, suggesting a mechanism whereby SLK may be regulated at sites of actin remodeling, such as membrane lamellipodia and ruffles, through CK2.