Background

CLP36, also known as PDLIM1, CLIM1 or Elfin, is a 329 amino acid cytoplasmic protein that associates with Actin stress fibers at the cytoskeleton. Expressed at high levels in skeletal muscle and heart and at lower levels in colon, small intestine, spleen, lung, placenta, kidney, liver, thymus and pancreas, CLP36 functions as a cytoskeletal protein that is thought to act as an adaptor, bringing target proteins to the cytoskeleton. Specifically, CLP36 interacts with Clik1 (a kinase) and recruits Clik1 to α-actinin-1, thereby facilitating the association of Clik1 with Actin stress fibers. CLP36 contains one PDZ domain and one LIM zinc-binding domain through which it conveys its protein-protein binding capabilities. Human CLP36 shares 88% sequence similarity with its rat counterpart, suggesting a conserved function between species.