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Updated: Oct 2, 2025

Isolation of Primary Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts from a Syngeneic Murine Model of Breast Cancer for the Study of Targeted Nanoparticles
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New Insights on the Nuclear Functions and Targeting of FAK in Cancer

Silvia Pomella1, Matteo Cassandri1,2, Maria Rita Braghini3

  • 1Department of Oncohematology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|February 26, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is crucial in cancer progression and presents a promising therapeutic target. Inhibitors targeting FAK are advancing in clinical trials for cancer treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase.
  • FAK is over-expressed and activated in various adult and pediatric cancers.
  • It regulates cancer pathogenesis and malignant phenotype progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an overview of novel insights into FAK's structure and nuclear functions.
  • To focus on recent findings regarding FAK's roles in cancer.
  • To update on FAK inhibitors in clinical trials and discuss future therapeutic directions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of recent research findings.
  • Analysis of FAK's dual role (cytoplasmic kinase and nuclear scaffolding).
  • Examination of FAK's interaction with gene expression regulators.

Main Results:

  • FAK exhibits both cytoplasmic kinase activity (integrin signaling) and nuclear scaffolding functions.
  • FAK plays significant roles in cancer pathogenesis and progression.
  • Several FAK inhibitors are currently undergoing clinical trials for cancer patients.

Conclusions:

  • FAK is a validated therapeutic target for cancer due to its critical roles.
  • Targeting FAK, alone or in combination, shows potential for effective cancer treatment.
  • Further research into FAK inhibitors and targeted therapies is warranted.
Keywords:
ATP-competitive inhibitorsFAKPROTACsadult cancersallosteric inhibitorscombination therapypediatric cancerstargeted therapy

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