{"type": "root", "children": [{"type": "p", "children": [{"type": "t", "text": "\nSLK, a member of the Ste20-like kinase family, is emerging as a key regulator of cytoskeletal dynamics that underlie epithelial cell polarization and mitotic spindle orientation. In polarized epithelia, SLK collaborates with related kinases to restrict ezrin activation and confine microvilli to the apical membrane, thereby maintaining proper domain-specific organization."}, {"type": "fg", "children": [{"type": "fg_f", "ref": "1"}]}, {"type": "t", "text": " In addition, SLK‐dependent activation of ERM proteins at mitotic entry helps establish a polarized cortical platform that guides the orientation of the mitotic spindle in dividing cells."}, {"type": "fg", "children": [{"type": "fg_f", "ref": "2"}]}, {"type": "t", "text": "\n"}]}, {"type": "t", "text": "\n\n"}, {"type": "p", "children": [{"type": "t", "text": "\nBeyond its role in cortical organization, SLK is essential for modulating cell migration and microtubule network dynamics. In mammary epithelial cells, SLK is activated downstream of Neu receptor signaling to promote chemotaxis by enhancing focal adhesion turnover."}, {"type": "fg", "children": [{"type": "fg_f", "ref": "3"}]}, {"type": "t", "text": " Moreover, SLK associates with centrosomes and microtubules to ensure a focused radial microtubule array, a function executed in part by phosphorylating components of the dynactin complex."}, {"type": "fg", "children": [{"type": "fg_f", "ref": "4"}]}, {"type": "t", "text": " Its activity can be modulated by oncogenic signals such as v-Src – via CK2-mediated phosphorylation events – thereby linking external cues to cytoskeletal remodeling."}, {"type": "fg", "children": [{"type": "fg_f", "ref": "6"}]}, {"type": "t", "text": "\n"}]}, {"type": "t", "text": "\n\n"}, {"type": "p", "children": [{"type": "t", "text": "\nSLK’s diverse roles extend into specialized cellular contexts where its regulation of actin dynamics affects contractility, survival, and invasive behavior. In smooth muscle cells, SLK facilitates agonist-induced actin polymerization and contraction through a cascade involving Plk1 and paxillin phosphorylation."}, {"type": "fg", "children": [{"type": "fg_f", "ref": "7"}]}, {"type": "t", "text": " In kidney development and injury recovery, SLK forms complexes with proteins such as Tpr and α-actinin-4 to regulate apoptosis and transcriptional responses."}, {"type": "fg", "children": [{"type": "fg_f", "ref": "8"}]}, {"type": "t", "text": " Similarly, in gliomas, elevated SLK expression correlates with enhanced cell invasion through modulation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition markers."}, {"type": "fg", "children": [{"type": "fg_f", "ref": "9"}]}, {"type": "t", "text": "\n"}]}, {"type": "rg", "children": [{"type": "r", "ref": 1, "children": [{"type": "t", "text": "Raghuvir Viswanatha, Patrice Y Ohouo, Marcus B Smolka, et al. 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