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Modeling and Imaging 3-Dimensional Collective Cell Invasion
07:08

Modeling and Imaging 3-Dimensional Collective Cell Invasion

Published on: December 7, 2011

Multiple connections link FAK to cell motility and invasion

David D Schlaepfer1, Satyajit K Mitra

  • 1The Scripps Research Institute, Department of Immunology, IMM26, 10550 N. Torrey Pines Rd., La Jolla, CA 92037, USA. dschlaep@scripps.edu

Current Opinion in Genetics & Development
|April 28, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) integrates signals for cell motility, responding to growth factors and integrins. Its distinct roles in cell invasion and motility are explored, highlighting its central function in intracellular signaling networks.

Area of Science:

  • Cell biology
  • Molecular signaling

Background:

  • Intracellular signaling networks orchestrate complex cellular responses like motility.
  • Signaling proteins act as integrators, responding to diverse extracellular inputs and regulating multiple pathway outputs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent findings on the role of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) in cell motility.
  • To emphasize FAK's receptor-proximal position in growth factor and integrin-stimulated cell movement.
  • To explore the distinct functions of FAK in cell invasion versus cell motility.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent findings on FAK.
  • Analysis of molecular mechanisms of FAK activation.
  • Examination of FAK's connections to focal adhesion dynamics.

Main Results:

  • FAK is positioned proximally to receptors, regulating cell motility.
  • FAK activation mechanisms and its role in focal contact formation and turnover are detailed.
  • Evidence suggests FAK's function in cell invasion may differ from its role in cell motility.

Conclusions:

  • FAK plays a crucial role in integrating signals that drive cell motility.
  • Understanding FAK's activation and its dynamic interactions is key to comprehending cell movement.
  • FAK's distinct roles in motility and invasion warrant further investigation.

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