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Focal adhesion kinase signaling in unexpected places

Elizabeth G Kleinschmidt1, David D Schlaepfer1

  • 1Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States; Moores Cancer Center, Department of Reproductive Medicine, 3855 Health Sciences Drive, MC 0983, La Jolla, CA 92093-0983, United States.

Current Opinion in Cell Biology
|February 19, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) regulates cell movement and is activated through conformational changes. New research reveals FAK

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a cytoplasmic protein-tyrosine kinase.
  • FAK is primarily known as a key regulator of cell movement, initially identified at cell adhesion sites.
  • FAK activation is triggered by diverse stimuli.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To discuss recent advances in understanding FAK activation mechanisms, including conformational changes and dimerization.
  • To review novel roles of FAK signaling in various cellular compartments.
  • To connect FAK activation at these sites to specific cellular processes.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent scientific literature on FAK signaling.
  • Analysis of studies investigating FAK conformational dynamics and dimerization.
  • Examination of research on FAK localization and function in different cellular compartments.

Main Results:

  • FAK activation involves conformational changes and dimerization.
  • FAK signaling extends beyond cell adhesions to adherens junctions, endosomes, and the nucleus.
  • FAK activation in these locations regulates integrin recycling, vascular permeability, cell survival, and gene transcription.

Conclusions:

  • FAK plays multifaceted roles in cellular regulation, extending beyond its canonical functions.
  • Understanding FAK signaling in diverse cellular locations provides new insights into cell biology.
  • Further research into FAK's mechanisms and roles is crucial for understanding cellular processes.

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