Integrin-linked kinase-associated serine/threonine phosphatase 2C, also known as ILKAP, is cytoplasm protein which belongs to the PP2C family. ILKAP contains one PP2C-like domain. ILKAP is widely expressed. Highest levels expressed in striated muscle. Much lower levels evident in various smooth muscle tissues. ILKAP may play a role in regulation of cell cycle progression via dephosphorylation of its substrates whose appropriate phosphorylation states might be crucial for cell proliferation. ILKAP selectively associates with integrin linked kinase (ILK), to modulate cell adhesion and growth factor signaling. ILKAP inhibits the ILK-GSK3B signaling axis and may play an important role in inhibiting oncogenic transformation. Integrin-linked kinase ( ILK ) plays key roles in a variety of cell functions, including cell proliferation, adhesion and migration. Within the cell, ILK localizes to multiple sites, including the cytoplasm, focal adhesion complexes that mediate cell adhesion to extracellular substrates, as well as cell-cell junctions in epidermal keratinocytes. Nuclear ILK can be rapidly exported into the cytoplasm through a CRM1-dependent pathway, and its export is enhanced by the type 2C protein phosphatase ILKAP. Nuclear localization of ILK in epidermal keratinocytes is associated with increased DNA synthesis, which is sensitive to inhibition by ILKAP.
