Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 1, 2026

Analysis of Cell Migration within a Three-dimensional Collagen Matrix
Published on: October 5, 2014
Heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF) promotes cell migration and adhesion via focal adhesion kinase
1Department of Cardiovascular and Respiratory Medicine, Wuhan Puai Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Department of Pediatric Surgery, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Center for Perinatal Research, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio.
Background:
Cell migration and adhesion are essential in intestinal epithelial wound healing and recovery from injury. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) plays an important role in cell-extracellular matrix signal transduction. We have previously shown that heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF) promotes intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) migration and adhesion in vitro. The present study was designed to determine whether FAK is involved in HB-EGF-induced IEC migration and adhesion.
Materials And Methods:
A scrape wound healing model of rat IECs was used to examine the effect of HB-EGF on FAK-dependent cell migration in vitro. Immunofluorescence and Western blot analyses were performed to evaluate the effect of HB-EGF on the expression of phosphorylated FAK (p-FAK). Cell adhesion assays were performed to determine the role of FAK in HB-EGF-induced cell adhesion on fibronectin (FN).
Results:
HB-EGF significantly increased healing after scrape wounding, an effect that was reversed in the presence of an FAK inhibitor 14 (both with P < 0.05). HB-EGF increased p-FAK expression and induced p-FAK redistribution and actin reorganization in migrating rat IECs. Cell adhesion and spreading on FN were significantly increased by HB-EGF (P < 0.05). FAK inhibitor 14 significantly inhibited both intrinsic and HB-EGF-induced cell adhesion and spreading on FN (both with P < 0.05).
Conclusions:
FAK phosphorylation and FAK-mediated signal transduction play essential roles in HB-EGF-mediated IEC migration and adhesion.
Related Concept Videos
Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions
Some...
Regulation of Angiogenesis and Blood Supply
Mitogens and the Cell Cycle
Role of Ephrin-Eph Signalling in Intestinal Stem Cell Renewal
Cell Migration
Cell Migration

