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Updated: Apr 26, 2026

Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts from Mouse Mammary Tumors as Tools for Molecular and Computational Studies
Published on: July 3, 2025
FAK in cancer: mechanistic findings and clinical applications
Florian J Sulzmaier1, Christine Jean1, David D Schlaepfer1
1University of California San Diego, Moores Cancer Center, Department of Reproductive Medicine, 3855 Health Sciences Dr., MC0803, La Jolla, California 92093 USA.
Abstract:
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a cytoplasmic protein tyrosine kinase that is overexpressed and activated in several advanced-stage solid cancers. FAK promotes tumour progression and metastasis through effects on cancer cells, as well as stromal cells of the tumour microenvironment. The kinase-dependent and kinase-independent functions of FAK control cell movement, invasion, survival, gene expression and cancer stem cell self-renewal. Small molecule FAK inhibitors decrease tumour growth and metastasis in several preclinical models and have initial clinical activity in patients with limited adverse events. In this Review, we discuss FAK signalling effects on both tumour and stromal cell biology that provide rationale and support for future therapeutic opportunities.
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