Paxillin and focal adhesion signalling.

To facilitate a rapid response to environmental change, cells use scaffolding - or adaptor - proteins to recruit key components of their signal-transduction machinery to specific subcellular locations. Paxillin is a multi-domain adaptor found at the interface between the plasma membrane and the actin cytoskeleton. Here it provides a platform for the integration and processing of adhesion- and growth factor-related signals.