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Updated: Feb 8, 2026

Characterization of Cell Membrane Extensions and Studying Their Roles in Cancer Cell Adhesion Dynamics
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Published on: March 26, 2018

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Dynamics of p14ARF and Focal Adhesion Kinase-Mediated Autophagy in Cancer

Rosa Fontana1, Maria Vivo2

  • 1Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy. Rosa.fontana90@gmail.com.

Cancers
|July 4, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and p14ARF (alternative reading frame) regulate autophagy, a cellular recycling process. This review explores their roles in cancer cell survival, migration, and spreading, crucial for understanding cancer development.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is implicated in multiple cancer processes, including invasion, metastasis, and cancer stem cell maintenance.
  • p14ARF (alternative reading frame), a tumor suppressor, interacts with FAK and regulates cancer via p53-dependent and -independent pathways.
  • Both FAK and ARF, along with p53, are involved in autophagy, a cellular degradation process essential for quality control.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the mechanisms by which ARF and FAK regulate autophagy.
  • To examine the role of autophagy in cancer cell migration and spreading.
  • To integrate the understanding of these cellular functions in cancer development.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on FAK, p14ARF, and autophagy in cancer.
  • Analysis of molecular pathways linking FAK, ARF, and autophagy.
  • Examination of the role of autophagy in cell migration and metastasis.

Main Results:

  • FAK and ARF proteins are involved in the regulation of autophagy.
  • Autophagy plays a significant role in cancer cell migration and spreading.
  • p14ARF exhibits a pro-oncogenic function in cancer cell survival.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding the interplay between ARF, FAK, and autophagy is critical for deciphering cancer cell transformation and migration.
  • Integrated investigation of these pathways offers insights into novel therapeutic strategies for cancer.
Keywords:
DAPKEMTINK4a/ARF locusanoikiscell spreadingcytoskeletonmetastasismigrationtumor dormancytumor suppressor

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