Non-receptor protein-tyrosine kinase that plays an essential role in regulating cell migration, adhesion, spreading, reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton, formation and disassembly of focal adhesions and cell protrusions, cell cycle progression, cell proliferation and apoptosis. Required for early embryonic development and placenta development. Required for embryonic angiogenesis, normal cardiomyocyte migration and proliferation, and normal heart development. Regulates axon growth and neuronal cell migration, axon branching and synapse formation; required for normal development of the nervous system. Plays a role in osteogenesis and differentiation of osteoblasts. Functions in integrin signal transduction, but also in signaling downstream of numerous growth factor receptors, G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR), EPHA2, netrin receptors and LDL receptors. Forms multisubunit signaling complexes with SRC and SRC family members upon activation; this leads to the phosphorylation of additional tyrosine residues, creating binding sites for scaffold proteins, effectors and substrates. Regulates numerous signaling pathways. Promotes activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and the AKT1 signaling cascade. Promotes activation of MAPK1/ERK2, MAPK3/ERK1 and the MAP kinase signaling cascade. Promotes localized and transient activation of guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) and GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs), and thereby modulates the activity of Rho family GTPases. Signaling via CAS family members mediates activation of RAC1. Recruits the ubiquitin ligase MDM2 to P53/TP53 in the nucleus, and thereby regulates P53/TP53 activity, P53/TP53 ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. Phosphorylates SRC; this increases SRC kinase activity. Phosphorylates ACTN1, ARHGEF7, GRB7, RET and WASL. Promotes phosphorylation of PXN and STAT1; most likely PXN and STAT1 are phosphorylated by a SRC family kinase that is recruited to autophosphorylated PTK2/FAK1, rather than by PTK2/FAK1 itself. Promotes phosphorylation of BCAR1; GIT2 and SHC1; this requires both SRC and PTK2/FAK1. Promotes phosphorylation of BMX and PIK3R1.
For over a decade, p130Cas/BCAR1, HEF1/NEDD9/Cas-L, and Efs/Sin have defined the Cas (Crk-associated substrate) scaffolding protein family. Cas proteins mediate integrin-dependent signals at focal adhesions, regulating cell invasion and survival; at least one family member, HEF1, regulates mitosis. We here report a previously undescribed novel branch of the Cas protein family, designated HEPL (for HEF1-Efs-p130Cas-like). The HEPL branch is evolutionarily conserved through jawed vertebrates, and HEPL is found in some species lacking other members of the Cas family. The human HEPL mRNA and protein are selectively expressed in specific primary tissues and cancer cell lines, and HEPL maintains Cas family function in localization to focal adhesions, as well as regulation of FAK activity, focal adhesion integrity, and cell spreading. It has recently been demonstrated that upregulation of HEF1 expression marks and induces metastasis, whereas high endogenous levels of p130Cas are associated with poor prognosis in breast cancer, emphasizing the clinical relevance of Cas proteins. Better understanding of the complete protein family should help inform prediction of cancer incidence and prognosis.
Imaging studies implicate microtubule targeting of focal adhesions in focal adhesion disassembly, although the molecular mechanism is unknown. Here, we develop a model system of focal adhesion disassembly based on the finding that microtubule regrowth after nocodazole washout induces disassembly of focal adhesions, and that this disassembly occurs independently of Rho and Rac, but depends on focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and dynamin. During disassembly, dynamin interacts with FAK and colocalizes with focal adhesions. Inhibition of dynamin prevents migration of cells with a focal adhesion phenotype. Our results show that focal adhesion disassembly involves microtubules, dynamin and FAK, and is not simply the reversal of focal adhesion formation.
Etk/BMX, a member of the Btk family of tyrosine kinases, is highly expressed in cells with great migratory potential, including endothelial cells and metastatic carcinoma cell lines. Here, we present evidence that Etk is involved in integrin signalling and promotes cell migration. The activation of Etk by extracellular matrix proteins is regulated by FAK through an interaction between the PH domain of Etk and the FERM domain of FAK. The lack of Etk activation by extracellular matrix in FAK-null cells could be restored by co-transfection with wild-type FAK. Disrupting the interaction between Etk and FAK diminished the cell migration promoted by either kinase. Furthermore, inhibiting Etk expression in metastatic carcinoma cell lines with an antisense oligonucleotide blocks integrin-mediated migration of these cells. Taken together, our data indicate the essential role of the interaction of the PH domain of Etk and the FERM domain of FAK in integrin signalling.
Fgr participates in integrin signaling in myeloid leukocytes. To examine the role of its specific domains in regulating cell migration, we expressed various Fgr molecules in COS-7 cells. Full-length, membrane-bound Fgr, but not an N-terminal truncation mutant that distributed to an intracellular compartment, increased cell migration on fibronectin and enhanced phosphorylation of the p85 subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), cortactin and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) at Y397 and Y576. Fgr increased Rac GTP loading, and phosphorylation of the Rac GEF Vav2, and bound to a protein complex formed by the Rho inhibitor p190RhoGAP and FAK, increasing p190RhoGAP phosphorylation, in a manner absolutely dependent on membrane localization. A kinase-defective truncation mutant of Fgr increased cell migration, albeit to a much lower extent than full-length Fgr, and was found to associate with the plasma membrane, to activate Rac and to form complexes with p190RhoGAP/FAK. Formation of complexes between p190RhoGAP, Fgr, and the FAK-related protein Pyk2 were also detected in murine macrophages. These findings suggest that the proto-oncogene Fgr regulates cell migration impinging on a signaling pathway implicating FAK/Pyk2 and leading to activation of Rac and the Rho inhibitor p190RhoGAP.
Integrins are transmembrane receptors that bind to extracellular matrix proteins and convey anchorage-dependent signals regulating normal cell proliferation. Integrin signals within the tumor micro-environment also impact cancer cell survival and invasion during tumor progression. These integrin-associated signaling events are transduced in part through the activation of non-receptor protein-tyrosine kinases. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is activated by beta-subunit integrins in both normal and transformed cells. As genetic inactivation of beta1 integrin or FAK yield early embryonic lethal phenotypes associated with decreased cell proliferation, and dominant-negative inhibition of FAK can cause increased cell apoptosis, there is a concern that FAK inhibition may have cytotoxic effects on cell growth or survival. However, FAK-specific small molecule inhibitors do not directly impact cell growth in culture, but yet show potent anti-tumor growth effects in vivo. Additionally, recent studies have shed new insight into the FAK kinase-independent regulation of cell proliferation and survival mediated by the FAK N-terminal FERM (band 4.1, ezrin, radixin, moesin homology) domain. Herein, we review the role of the FAK FERM domain in both the intrinsic regulation of FAK kinase activity and how FERM-mediated nuclear localization of FAK promotes enhanced cell survival through the inhibition of tumor suppressor p53 activation during development and under conditions of cellular stress. As we find that FAK FERM-mediated regulation of p53 occurs in human carcinoma cells, elevated FAK expression in tumors may promote both kinase-dependent and -independent survival mechanisms. We discuss how the pharmacological inhibition of FAK kinase activity may impact tumor progression through combined effects of blocking both tumor- and stromal-associated signaling regulating neo-vascularization.
J. Immunol. 180, 3485-3491 (2008)[PubMed:18292575]
MyD88 and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) are key adaptors involved in signaling downstream of TLR2, TLR4, and integrin alpha5beta1, linking pathogen-associated molecule detection to the initiation of proinflammatory response. The MyD88 and integrin pathways are interlinked, but the mechanism of this cross-talk is not yet understood. In this study we addressed the involvement of Etk, which belongs to the Tec family of tyrosine kinases, in the cross-talk between the integrin/FAK and the MyD88 pathways in fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) and in IL-6 synthesis. Using small interfering RNA blockade, we report that Etk plays a major role in LPS- and protein I/II (a model activator of FAK)-dependent IL-6 release by activated FLS. Etk is associated with MyD88, FAK, and Mal as shown by coimmunoprecipitation. Interestingly, knockdown of Mal appreciably inhibited IL-6 synthesis in response to LPS and protein I/II. Our results also indicate that LPS and protein I/II induced phosphorylation of Etk and Mal in rheumatoid arthritis FLS via a FAK-dependent pathway. In conclusion, our data provide support that, in FLS, Etk and Mal are implicated in the cross-talk between FAK and MyD88 and that their being brought into play is clearly dependent on FAK.
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and Src are protein tyrosine kinases that physically and functionally interact to facilitate cancer progression by regulating oncogenic processes such as cell motility, survival, proliferation, invasiveness, and angiogenesis.
Cancer cells require sustained oncogenic signaling in order to maintain their malignant properties. It is, however, unclear whether they possess other dependencies that can be exploited therapeutically. We report here that in a large fraction of human breast cancers, the gene encoding focal adhesion kinase (FAK), a core component of integrin signaling, was amplified and FAK mRNA was overexpressed. A mammary gland-specific deletion of Fak in mice did not seem to affect normal mammary epithelial cells, and these mice were protected from tumors initiated by the polyoma middle T oncoprotein (PyMT), which activates Ras and PI3K. FAK-deficient PyMT-transformed cells displayed both growth arrest and apoptosis, as well as diminished invasive and metastatic capacity. Upon silencing of Fak, mouse mammary tumor cells transformed by activated Ras became senescent and lost their invasive ability. Further, Neu-transformed cells also underwent growth arrest and apoptosis if integrin beta4-dependent signaling was simultaneously inactivated. Human breast cancer cells carrying oncogenic mutations that activate Ras or PI3K signaling displayed similar responses upon silencing of FAK. Mechanistic studies indicated that FAK sustains tumorigenesis by promoting Src-mediated phosphorylation of p130Cas. These results suggest that FAK supports Ras- and PI3K-dependent mammary tumor initiation, maintenance, and progression to metastasis by orchestrating multiple core cellular functions, including proliferation, survival, and avoidance of senescence.
Multiple genetic aberrations in human gliomas contribute to their highly infiltrative and rapid growth characteristics. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) regulates tumor migration and invasion. Insulin-like growth factor-I receptor (IGF-IR), whose expression correlates with tumor grade, is involved in proliferation and survival. We hypothesized that inhibiting the phosphorylation of FAK and IGF-IR by NVP-TAE226 (hereafter called TAE226), a novel dual tyrosine kinase inhibitor of FAK and IGF-IR, would suppress the growth and invasion of glioma cells. In culture, TAE226 inhibited extracellular matrix-induced autophosphorylation of FAK (Tyr(397)). TAE226 also inhibited IGF-I-induced phosphorylation of IGF-IR and activity of its downstream target genes such as MAPK and Akt. TAE226 retarded tumor cell growth as assessed by a cell viability assay and attenuated G(2)-M cell cycle progression associated with a decrease in cyclin B1 and phosphorylated cdc2 (Tyr(15)) protein expression. TAE226 treatment inhibited tumor cell invasion by at least 50% compared with the control in an in vitro Matrigel invasion assay. Interestingly, TAE226 treatment of tumor cells containing wild-type p53 mainly exhibited G(2)-M arrest, whereas tumor cells bearing mutant p53 underwent apoptosis. Induction of apoptosis by TAE226 was substantiated by detection of caspase-3/7 activation and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage and by an Annexin V apoptosis assay. More importantly, TAE226 treatment significantly increased the survival rate of animals in an intracranial glioma xenograft model. Collectively, these data show that blocking the signaling pathways of FAK and IGF-IR with TAE226 has the potential to be an efficacious treatment for human gliomas.
The beta(1) integrin, functioning as a mechanoreceptor, senses a mechanical stimulus generated during collagen matrix contraction and down-regulates the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt survival signal triggering apoptosis. The identities of integrin-associated signal molecules in the focal adhesion complex that are responsible for propagating beta(1) integrin viability signals in response to collagen matrix contraction are not known. Here we show that in response to collagen contraction focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is dephosphorylated. In contrast, enforced activation of beta(1) integrin by anti-beta(1) integrin antibody, which protects fibroblasts from apoptosis, preserves FAK phosphorylation. We demonstrate that ligation of beta(1) integrin by type I collagen or by enforced activation of beta(1) integrin by antibody promotes phosphorylation of FAK, p85 subunit of PI3K, and serine 473 of Akt. Wortmannin inhibited Akt but not FAK phosphorylation in response to enforced activation of beta(1) integrin by antibody. Blocking FAK by pharmacologic inhibition or by dominant negative FAK attenuated phosphorylation of p85 subunit of PI3K and Akt. Dominant negative FAK augmented fibroblast apoptosis during collagen contraction, and this was associated with diminished Akt activity. Constitutively active FAK augmented levels of p85 subunit of PI3K and Akt phosphorylation, and fibroblasts were protected from apoptosis. Our data identify a novel role for FAK, functioning upstream of PI3K/Akt, in transducing a beta(1) integrin viability signal in collagen matrices.
Whether RET is able to directly phosphorylate and activate downstream targets independently of the binding of proteins that contain Src homology 2 or phosphotyrosine binding domains and whether mechanisms in trans by cytoplasmic kinases can modulate RET function and signaling remain largely unexplored. In this study, oligopeptide arrays were used to screen substrates directly phosphorylated by purified recombinant wild-type and oncogenic RET kinase domain in the presence or absence of small molecule inhibitors. The results of the peptide array were validated by enzyme kinetics, in vitro kinase, and cell-based experiments. The identification of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) as a direct substrate for RET kinase revealed (i) a RET-FAK transactivation mechanism consisting of direct phosphorylation of FAK Tyr-576/577 by RET and a reciprocal phosphorylation of RET by FAK, which crucially is able to rescue the kinase-impaired RET K758M mutant and (ii) that FAK binds RET via its FERM domain. Interestingly, this interaction is abolished upon RET phosphorylation, indicating that RET binding to the FERM domain of FAK is a priming step for RET-FAK transactivation. Finally, our data indicate that FAK inhibitors could be used as potential therapeutic agents for patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 tumors because both, treatment with the FAK kinase inhibitor NVP-TAE226 and FAK down-regulation by siRNA reduced RET phosphorylation and signaling as well as the proliferation and survival of tumor and transfected cell lines expressing oncogenic RET.
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a nonreceptor tyrosine kinase that on activation generates signals that can modulate crucial cell functions, including cell proliferation, migration, and survival. In vitro, overexpression of FAK has been shown to promote cell proliferation by signaling through the Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade in several cell types. We have shown previously that overexpression of exogenous FAK lacking alternative splicing in malignant astrocytoma clones injected intracerebrally into SCID mouse brains promotes tumor cell proliferation. Here, we show that in anaplastic astrocytoma biopsy samples, FAK is expressed as an unspliced variant and migrates with a faster mobility similar to that observed in embryonic brain. Compared with nonneoplastic adult brain biopsies, the levels of FAK protein are elevated as are its levels of activation as assessed by autophosphorylation and overall tyrosine phosphorylation. The activity of Src kinase in these tumors is also elevated, as well as the activity of Src kinase associated with FAK; the latter may result in enhanced Src kinase phosphorylation of FAK. Phosphorylated Shc is associated with FAK in the anaplastic astrocytoma biopsy samples and in astrocytoma cells overexpressing FAK in vitro but not in nonneoplastic brain biopsy samples. Elevated extracellular signal-regulated kinase-2 activation and elevated expression of cyclins D and E are also found in anaplastic astrocytoma biopsy samples. These data provide evidence that the increased FAK activity in these tumors contributes to phosphorylation of Shc and likely to the promotion of Ras activity, extracellular signal-regulated kinase-2 activation, and cell proliferation in vivo.
Leupaxin is a LIM domain-containing adapter protein belonging to the paxillin family that has been previously reported to be preferentially expressed in hematopoietic cells. Herein, we identified leupaxin in a screen for focal adhesion kinase binding partners in aortic smooth muscle, and we show that leupaxin is enriched in human and mouse vascular smooth muscle and that leupaxin expression is dynamically regulated during development. In addition, our studies reveal that leupaxin can undergo cytoplasmic/nuclear shuttling and functions as an serum response factor cofactor in the nucleus. We found that leupaxin forms a complex with serum response factor and associates with CArG-containing regions of smooth muscle promoters and that ectopic expression of leupaxin induces smooth muscle marker gene expression in both 10T1/2 cells and rat aortic smooth muscle cells. Subsequent studies indicated that enhanced focal adhesion kinase activity (induced by fibronectin or expression of constitutively active focal adhesion kinase) attenuates the nuclear accumulation of leupaxin and limits the ability of leupaxin to enhance serum response factor-dependent gene transcription. Thus, these studies indicate that modulation of the subcellular localization of serum response factor cofactors is 1 mechanism by which extracellular matrix-dependent signals may regulate phenotypic switching of smooth muscle cells.
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) overexpression is frequently found in ovarian and other cancers and is predictive of poor clinical outcome. In the current study, we characterized the biological and therapeutic effects of a novel FAK inhibitor, TAE226. Taxane-sensitive (SKOV3ip1 and HeyA8) and taxane-resistant (HeyA8-MDR) cell lines were used for in vitro and in vivo therapy experiments using TAE226 alone and in combination with docetaxel. Assessment of cytotoxicity, cell proliferation [proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)], angiogenesis (CD31), and apoptosis (terminal nucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick end labeling) were done by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. In vitro, TAE226 inhibited the phosphorylation of FAK at both Y397 and Y861 sites, inhibited cell growth in a time- and dose-dependent manner, and enhanced docetaxel-mediated growth inhibition by 10- and 20-fold in the taxane-sensitive and taxane-resistant cell lines, respectively. In vivo, FAK inhibition by TAE226 significantly reduced tumor burden in the HeyA8, SKOV3ip1, and HeyA8-MDR models (46-64%) compared with vehicle-treated controls. However, the greatest efficacy was observed with concomitant administration of TAE226 and docetaxel in all three models (85-97% reduction, all P values <0.01). In addition, TAE226 alone and in combination with chemotherapy significantly prolonged survival in tumor-bearing mice. Even in larger tumors, combination therapy with TAE226 and docetaxel resulted in tumor regression. The therapeutic efficacy was related to reduced pericyte coverage, induction of apoptosis of tumor-associated endothelial cells, and reduced microvessel density and tumor cell proliferation. The novel FAK inhibitor, TAE226, offers an attractive therapeutic approach in ovarian carcinoma.
Cancer Biol. Ther. 10, 38-43 (2010)[PubMed:20495381]
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is essential in regulating integrin signaling pathways responsible for cell survival and proliferation, as well as motility, making FAK a distinctive target in the field of anticancer drug development, especially with regards to metastatic disease.(1) Our objective was to demonstrate tumor growth inhibition by PF-562,271, a selective inhibitor of FAK and FAK2, or Pyk2,(2) in mouse xenograft models, both subcutaneous and metastatic, employing the human prostate cancer cell line PC3M-luc-C6, a modified PC3M cell line that expresses luciferase. After 2 weeks of treatment with PF-562,271, 25 mg/kg PO BID 5x/wk, the subcutaneous model showed a 62% tumor growth inhibition compared to control based on tumor measurements (p < 0.05), with a 88% vs. a 490% increase in bioluminescent signal for treatment and control respectively (p < 0.05). In the metastasis model, the percent change from baseline, after 18 days of treatment, of the treatment group was 2,854 vs. 14,190% for the vehicle (p < 0.01). These results show that PF-562,271 has a potent effect on metastatic prostate cancer growth in vivo.
FAK is known as an integrin- and growth factor-associated tyrosine kinase promoting cell motility. Here we show that, during mouse development, FAK inactivation results in p53- and p21-dependent mesodermal cell growth arrest. Reconstitution of primary FAK-/-p21-/- fibroblasts revealed that FAK, in a kinase-independent manner, facilitates p53 turnover via enhanced Mdm2-dependent p53 ubiquitination. p53 inactivation by FAK required FAK FERM F1 lobe binding to p53, FERM F2 lobe-mediated nuclear localization, and FERM F3 lobe for connections to Mdm2 and proteasomal degradation. Staurosporine or loss of cell adhesion enhanced FERM-dependent FAK nuclear accumulation. In primary human cells, FAK knockdown raised p53-p21 levels and slowed cell proliferation but did not cause apoptosis. Notably, FAK knockdown plus cisplatin triggered p53-dependent cell apoptosis, which was rescued by either full-length FAK or FAK FERM re-expression. These studies define a scaffolding role for nuclear FAK in facilitating cell survival through enhanced p53 degradation under conditions of cellular stress.
Integrins can alter cellular behavior through the recruitment and activation of signaling proteins such as non-receptor tyrosine kinases including focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and c-Src that form a dual kinase complex. The FAK-Src complex binds to and can phosphorylate various adaptor proteins such as p130Cas and paxillin. In normal cells, multiple integrin-regulated linkages exist to activate FAK or Src. Activated FAK-Src functions to promote cell motility, cell cycle progression and cell survival. Recent studies have found that the FAK-Src complex is activated in many tumor cells and generates signals leading to tumor growth and metastasis. As both FAK and Src catalytic activities are important in promoting VEGF-associated tumor angiogenesis and protease-associated tumor metastasis, support is growing that FAK and Src may be therapeutically relevant targets in the inhibition of tumor progression.
Fibroblast migration plays an important role in the normal wound healing process; however, dysregulated cell migration may contribute to the progressive formation of fibrotic lesions in the diseased condition. To examine the role of focal-adhesion-kinase (FAK)-related non-kinase (FRNK) in regulation of fibrotic lung fibroblast migration, we examined cell migration, FRNK expression, and activation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and Rho GTPase (Rho and Rac) in primary lung fibroblasts derived from both idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients and normal human controls. Fibrotic (IPF) lung fibroblasts have increased cell migration when compared to control human lung fibroblasts. FRNK expression is significantly reduced in IPF lung fibroblasts, while activation of FAK, Rho and Rac is increased in IPF lung fibroblasts. Endogenous FRNK expression is inversely correlated with FAK activation and cell migration rate in IPF lung fibroblasts. Forced exogenous FRNK expression abrogates the increased cell migration, and blocked the activation of FAK and Rho GTPase (Rho and Rac), in IPF lung fibroblasts. These data for the first time provide evidence that downregulation of endogenous FRNK plays a role in promoting cell migration through FAK and Rho GTPase in fibrotic IPF lung fibroblasts.
Human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) differentiation into osteoblasts and the signaling events involved are poorly understood. We recently established that contact with specific extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, in particular laminin-5, is sufficient to induce an osteogenic phenotype in hMSC through an extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK)-dependent pathway. Activation of ERK 1/2 by laminin-5 induces phosphorylation of the runx2/cbfa-1 transcription factor that controls osteogenic gene expression. We hypothesized that focal adhesion kinase (FAK) mediated signaling pathways supply a link between cell surface integrin-ECM binding and activation of ERK 1/2, and that laminin-5 promotes its osteogenic effects through this pathway. To test this hypothesis, we plated hMSC on a laminin-5 matrix in the presence or absence of FAK-specific small inhibitory RNAs (siRNA), and assayed for phosphorylation of runx2/cbfa-1 as well as expression of established osteogenic differentiation markers (bone sialoprotein, osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase, calcium deposition, and mineral:matrix ratio). We found that siRNA treatment reduced total endogenous FAK protein by approximately 40%, and reduced FAK phosphorylation on Y397 by approximately 33% in cells plated on laminin-5 for 30 min. SiRNA treated cells exhibited a decrease in ERK 1/2 phosphorylation after 1 h, and reduced serine/threonine phosphorylation of Runx2/Cbfa-1 after 8 days. Finally, FAK inhibition blocked osteogenic differentiation of hMSC, as assessed by lowered expression of osteogenic genes (RT-PCR), decreased alkaline phosphatase activity, greatly reduced calcium deposition, and a lower mineral:matrix ratio after 28 days in culture. These results establish FAK as an important mediator of laminin-5-induced osteogenic differentiation of hMSC.
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a member of a family of non-receptor protein-tyrosine kinases that regulates integrin and growth factor signaling pathways involved in cell migration, proliferation, and survival. FAK expression is increased in many cancers, including breast and prostate cancer. Here we describe perturbation of adhesion-mediated signaling with a FAK inhibitor, PF-573,228. In vitro, this compound inhibited purified recombinant catalytic fragment of FAK with an IC(50) of 4 nM. In cultured cells, PF-573,228 inhibited FAK phosphorylation on Tyr(397) with an IC(50) of 30-100 nM. Treatment of cells with concentrations of PF-573,228 that significantly decreased FAK Tyr(397) phosphorylation failed to inhibit cell growth or induce apoptosis. In contrast, treatment with PF-573,228 inhibited both chemotactic and haptotactic migration concomitant with the inhibition of focal adhesion turnover. These studies show that PF-573,228 serves as a useful tool to dissect the functions of FAK in integrin-dependent signaling pathways in normal and cancer cells and forms the basis for the generation of compounds amenable for preclinical and patient trials.
Interactions between receptor tyrosine kinases of the Eph family and their ligands, ephrins, are implicated in establishment of organ boundaries and repulsive guidance of cell migration during development, but the mechanisms by which this is achieved are unclear. Here we show that activation of endogenous EphA2 kinase induces an inactive conformation of integrins and inhibits cell spreading, migration and integrin-mediated adhesion. Moreover, EphA2 is constitutively associated with focal-adhesion kinase (FAK) in resting cells. Within one minute after stimulation of EphA2 with its ligand, ephrin-A1, the protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP2 is recruited to EphA2; this is followed by dephosphorylation of FAK and paxillin, and dissociation of the FAK-EphA2 complex. We conclude that Eph kinases mediate some of their functions by negatively regulating integrins and FAK.
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase that resides at the sites of integrin clustering, known as focal adhesions. The FAK protein has a molecular mass of 125kDa and is encoded by the FAK gene located on human chromosome 8q24. Structurally, FAK consists of an amino-terminal regulatory FERM domain, a central catalytic kinase domain, two proline-rich motifs, and a carboxy-terminal focal adhesion targeting domain. FAK has been shown to be an important mediator of cell growth, cell proliferation, cell survival and cell migration, all of which are often dysfunctional in cancer cells. Our lab was the first to isolate FAK from primary human tissue and link it to the process of tumorigenesis. We analyzed FAK mRNA expression in normal, invasive and metastatic human tissues and demonstrated through Northern blot analysis that normal tissues had very low levels of FAK mRNA while primary and metastatic tumors significantly overexpressed FAK. We also demonstrated and confirmed FAK overexpression in colorectal carcinoma and liver metastases with real-time PCR. In this review we summarized immunohistochemical data of FAK expression and role in different cancer types tumors and discussed FAK inhibition therapy approaches.
Isoform
Iso 6
(FRNK) does not contain a kinase domain and inhibits PTK2/FAK1 phosphorylation and signaling. Its enhanced expression can attenuate the nuclear accumulation of LPXN and limit its ability to enhance serum response factor (SRF)-dependent gene transcription.
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase that resides at the sites of integrin clustering, known as focal adhesions. The FAK protein has a molecular mass of 125kDa and is encoded by the FAK gene located on human chromosome 8q24. Structurally, FAK consists of an amino-terminal regulatory FERM domain, a central catalytic kinase domain, two proline-rich motifs, and a carboxy-terminal focal adhesion targeting domain. FAK has been shown to be an important mediator of cell growth, cell proliferation, cell survival and cell migration, all of which are often dysfunctional in cancer cells. Our lab was the first to isolate FAK from primary human tissue and link it to the process of tumorigenesis. We analyzed FAK mRNA expression in normal, invasive and metastatic human tissues and demonstrated through Northern blot analysis that normal tissues had very low levels of FAK mRNA while primary and metastatic tumors significantly overexpressed FAK. We also demonstrated and confirmed FAK overexpression in colorectal carcinoma and liver metastases with real-time PCR. In this review we summarized immunohistochemical data of FAK expression and role in different cancer types tumors and discussed FAK inhibition therapy approaches.
For over a decade, p130Cas/BCAR1, HEF1/NEDD9/Cas-L, and Efs/Sin have defined the Cas (Crk-associated substrate) scaffolding protein family. Cas proteins mediate integrin-dependent signals at focal adhesions, regulating cell invasion and survival; at least one family member, HEF1, regulates mitosis. We here report a previously undescribed novel branch of the Cas protein family, designated HEPL (for HEF1-Efs-p130Cas-like). The HEPL branch is evolutionarily conserved through jawed vertebrates, and HEPL is found in some species lacking other members of the Cas family. The human HEPL mRNA and protein are selectively expressed in specific primary tissues and cancer cell lines, and HEPL maintains Cas family function in localization to focal adhesions, as well as regulation of FAK activity, focal adhesion integrity, and cell spreading. It has recently been demonstrated that upregulation of HEF1 expression marks and induces metastasis, whereas high endogenous levels of p130Cas are associated with poor prognosis in breast cancer, emphasizing the clinical relevance of Cas proteins. Better understanding of the complete protein family should help inform prediction of cancer incidence and prognosis.
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a member of a family of non-receptor protein-tyrosine kinases that regulates integrin and growth factor signaling pathways involved in cell migration, proliferation, and survival. FAK expression is increased in many cancers, including breast and prostate cancer. Here we describe perturbation of adhesion-mediated signaling with a FAK inhibitor, PF-573,228. In vitro, this compound inhibited purified recombinant catalytic fragment of FAK with an IC(50) of 4 nM. In cultured cells, PF-573,228 inhibited FAK phosphorylation on Tyr(397) with an IC(50) of 30-100 nM. Treatment of cells with concentrations of PF-573,228 that significantly decreased FAK Tyr(397) phosphorylation failed to inhibit cell growth or induce apoptosis. In contrast, treatment with PF-573,228 inhibited both chemotactic and haptotactic migration concomitant with the inhibition of focal adhesion turnover. These studies show that PF-573,228 serves as a useful tool to dissect the functions of FAK in integrin-dependent signaling pathways in normal and cancer cells and forms the basis for the generation of compounds amenable for preclinical and patient trials.
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and Src are protein tyrosine kinases that physically and functionally interact to facilitate cancer progression by regulating oncogenic processes such as cell motility, survival, proliferation, invasiveness, and angiogenesis.
Interactions between receptor tyrosine kinases of the Eph family and their ligands, ephrins, are implicated in establishment of organ boundaries and repulsive guidance of cell migration during development, but the mechanisms by which this is achieved are unclear. Here we show that activation of endogenous EphA2 kinase induces an inactive conformation of integrins and inhibits cell spreading, migration and integrin-mediated adhesion. Moreover, EphA2 is constitutively associated with focal-adhesion kinase (FAK) in resting cells. Within one minute after stimulation of EphA2 with its ligand, ephrin-A1, the protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP2 is recruited to EphA2; this is followed by dephosphorylation of FAK and paxillin, and dissociation of the FAK-EphA2 complex. We conclude that Eph kinases mediate some of their functions by negatively regulating integrins and FAK.
J. Immunol. 180, 3485-3491 (2008)[PubMed:18292575]
MyD88 and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) are key adaptors involved in signaling downstream of TLR2, TLR4, and integrin alpha5beta1, linking pathogen-associated molecule detection to the initiation of proinflammatory response. The MyD88 and integrin pathways are interlinked, but the mechanism of this cross-talk is not yet understood. In this study we addressed the involvement of Etk, which belongs to the Tec family of tyrosine kinases, in the cross-talk between the integrin/FAK and the MyD88 pathways in fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) and in IL-6 synthesis. Using small interfering RNA blockade, we report that Etk plays a major role in LPS- and protein I/II (a model activator of FAK)-dependent IL-6 release by activated FLS. Etk is associated with MyD88, FAK, and Mal as shown by coimmunoprecipitation. Interestingly, knockdown of Mal appreciably inhibited IL-6 synthesis in response to LPS and protein I/II. Our results also indicate that LPS and protein I/II induced phosphorylation of Etk and Mal in rheumatoid arthritis FLS via a FAK-dependent pathway. In conclusion, our data provide support that, in FLS, Etk and Mal are implicated in the cross-talk between FAK and MyD88 and that their being brought into play is clearly dependent on FAK.
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) overexpression is frequently found in ovarian and other cancers and is predictive of poor clinical outcome. In the current study, we characterized the biological and therapeutic effects of a novel FAK inhibitor, TAE226. Taxane-sensitive (SKOV3ip1 and HeyA8) and taxane-resistant (HeyA8-MDR) cell lines were used for in vitro and in vivo therapy experiments using TAE226 alone and in combination with docetaxel. Assessment of cytotoxicity, cell proliferation [proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)], angiogenesis (CD31), and apoptosis (terminal nucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick end labeling) were done by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. In vitro, TAE226 inhibited the phosphorylation of FAK at both Y397 and Y861 sites, inhibited cell growth in a time- and dose-dependent manner, and enhanced docetaxel-mediated growth inhibition by 10- and 20-fold in the taxane-sensitive and taxane-resistant cell lines, respectively. In vivo, FAK inhibition by TAE226 significantly reduced tumor burden in the HeyA8, SKOV3ip1, and HeyA8-MDR models (46-64%) compared with vehicle-treated controls. However, the greatest efficacy was observed with concomitant administration of TAE226 and docetaxel in all three models (85-97% reduction, all P values <0.01). In addition, TAE226 alone and in combination with chemotherapy significantly prolonged survival in tumor-bearing mice. Even in larger tumors, combination therapy with TAE226 and docetaxel resulted in tumor regression. The therapeutic efficacy was related to reduced pericyte coverage, induction of apoptosis of tumor-associated endothelial cells, and reduced microvessel density and tumor cell proliferation. The novel FAK inhibitor, TAE226, offers an attractive therapeutic approach in ovarian carcinoma.
Fibroblast migration plays an important role in the normal wound healing process; however, dysregulated cell migration may contribute to the progressive formation of fibrotic lesions in the diseased condition. To examine the role of focal-adhesion-kinase (FAK)-related non-kinase (FRNK) in regulation of fibrotic lung fibroblast migration, we examined cell migration, FRNK expression, and activation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and Rho GTPase (Rho and Rac) in primary lung fibroblasts derived from both idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients and normal human controls. Fibrotic (IPF) lung fibroblasts have increased cell migration when compared to control human lung fibroblasts. FRNK expression is significantly reduced in IPF lung fibroblasts, while activation of FAK, Rho and Rac is increased in IPF lung fibroblasts. Endogenous FRNK expression is inversely correlated with FAK activation and cell migration rate in IPF lung fibroblasts. Forced exogenous FRNK expression abrogates the increased cell migration, and blocked the activation of FAK and Rho GTPase (Rho and Rac), in IPF lung fibroblasts. These data for the first time provide evidence that downregulation of endogenous FRNK plays a role in promoting cell migration through FAK and Rho GTPase in fibrotic IPF lung fibroblasts.
The beta(1) integrin, functioning as a mechanoreceptor, senses a mechanical stimulus generated during collagen matrix contraction and down-regulates the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt survival signal triggering apoptosis. The identities of integrin-associated signal molecules in the focal adhesion complex that are responsible for propagating beta(1) integrin viability signals in response to collagen matrix contraction are not known. Here we show that in response to collagen contraction focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is dephosphorylated. In contrast, enforced activation of beta(1) integrin by anti-beta(1) integrin antibody, which protects fibroblasts from apoptosis, preserves FAK phosphorylation. We demonstrate that ligation of beta(1) integrin by type I collagen or by enforced activation of beta(1) integrin by antibody promotes phosphorylation of FAK, p85 subunit of PI3K, and serine 473 of Akt. Wortmannin inhibited Akt but not FAK phosphorylation in response to enforced activation of beta(1) integrin by antibody. Blocking FAK by pharmacologic inhibition or by dominant negative FAK attenuated phosphorylation of p85 subunit of PI3K and Akt. Dominant negative FAK augmented fibroblast apoptosis during collagen contraction, and this was associated with diminished Akt activity. Constitutively active FAK augmented levels of p85 subunit of PI3K and Akt phosphorylation, and fibroblasts were protected from apoptosis. Our data identify a novel role for FAK, functioning upstream of PI3K/Akt, in transducing a beta(1) integrin viability signal in collagen matrices.
Fgr participates in integrin signaling in myeloid leukocytes. To examine the role of its specific domains in regulating cell migration, we expressed various Fgr molecules in COS-7 cells. Full-length, membrane-bound Fgr, but not an N-terminal truncation mutant that distributed to an intracellular compartment, increased cell migration on fibronectin and enhanced phosphorylation of the p85 subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), cortactin and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) at Y397 and Y576. Fgr increased Rac GTP loading, and phosphorylation of the Rac GEF Vav2, and bound to a protein complex formed by the Rho inhibitor p190RhoGAP and FAK, increasing p190RhoGAP phosphorylation, in a manner absolutely dependent on membrane localization. A kinase-defective truncation mutant of Fgr increased cell migration, albeit to a much lower extent than full-length Fgr, and was found to associate with the plasma membrane, to activate Rac and to form complexes with p190RhoGAP/FAK. Formation of complexes between p190RhoGAP, Fgr, and the FAK-related protein Pyk2 were also detected in murine macrophages. These findings suggest that the proto-oncogene Fgr regulates cell migration impinging on a signaling pathway implicating FAK/Pyk2 and leading to activation of Rac and the Rho inhibitor p190RhoGAP.
Imaging studies implicate microtubule targeting of focal adhesions in focal adhesion disassembly, although the molecular mechanism is unknown. Here, we develop a model system of focal adhesion disassembly based on the finding that microtubule regrowth after nocodazole washout induces disassembly of focal adhesions, and that this disassembly occurs independently of Rho and Rac, but depends on focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and dynamin. During disassembly, dynamin interacts with FAK and colocalizes with focal adhesions. Inhibition of dynamin prevents migration of cells with a focal adhesion phenotype. Our results show that focal adhesion disassembly involves microtubules, dynamin and FAK, and is not simply the reversal of focal adhesion formation.
Cancer Biol. Ther. 10, 38-43 (2010)[PubMed:20495381]
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is essential in regulating integrin signaling pathways responsible for cell survival and proliferation, as well as motility, making FAK a distinctive target in the field of anticancer drug development, especially with regards to metastatic disease.(1) Our objective was to demonstrate tumor growth inhibition by PF-562,271, a selective inhibitor of FAK and FAK2, or Pyk2,(2) in mouse xenograft models, both subcutaneous and metastatic, employing the human prostate cancer cell line PC3M-luc-C6, a modified PC3M cell line that expresses luciferase. After 2 weeks of treatment with PF-562,271, 25 mg/kg PO BID 5x/wk, the subcutaneous model showed a 62% tumor growth inhibition compared to control based on tumor measurements (p < 0.05), with a 88% vs. a 490% increase in bioluminescent signal for treatment and control respectively (p < 0.05). In the metastasis model, the percent change from baseline, after 18 days of treatment, of the treatment group was 2,854 vs. 14,190% for the vehicle (p < 0.01). These results show that PF-562,271 has a potent effect on metastatic prostate cancer growth in vivo.
Multiple genetic aberrations in human gliomas contribute to their highly infiltrative and rapid growth characteristics. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) regulates tumor migration and invasion. Insulin-like growth factor-I receptor (IGF-IR), whose expression correlates with tumor grade, is involved in proliferation and survival. We hypothesized that inhibiting the phosphorylation of FAK and IGF-IR by NVP-TAE226 (hereafter called TAE226), a novel dual tyrosine kinase inhibitor of FAK and IGF-IR, would suppress the growth and invasion of glioma cells. In culture, TAE226 inhibited extracellular matrix-induced autophosphorylation of FAK (Tyr(397)). TAE226 also inhibited IGF-I-induced phosphorylation of IGF-IR and activity of its downstream target genes such as MAPK and Akt. TAE226 retarded tumor cell growth as assessed by a cell viability assay and attenuated G(2)-M cell cycle progression associated with a decrease in cyclin B1 and phosphorylated cdc2 (Tyr(15)) protein expression. TAE226 treatment inhibited tumor cell invasion by at least 50% compared with the control in an in vitro Matrigel invasion assay. Interestingly, TAE226 treatment of tumor cells containing wild-type p53 mainly exhibited G(2)-M arrest, whereas tumor cells bearing mutant p53 underwent apoptosis. Induction of apoptosis by TAE226 was substantiated by detection of caspase-3/7 activation and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage and by an Annexin V apoptosis assay. More importantly, TAE226 treatment significantly increased the survival rate of animals in an intracranial glioma xenograft model. Collectively, these data show that blocking the signaling pathways of FAK and IGF-IR with TAE226 has the potential to be an efficacious treatment for human gliomas.
Human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) differentiation into osteoblasts and the signaling events involved are poorly understood. We recently established that contact with specific extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, in particular laminin-5, is sufficient to induce an osteogenic phenotype in hMSC through an extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK)-dependent pathway. Activation of ERK 1/2 by laminin-5 induces phosphorylation of the runx2/cbfa-1 transcription factor that controls osteogenic gene expression. We hypothesized that focal adhesion kinase (FAK) mediated signaling pathways supply a link between cell surface integrin-ECM binding and activation of ERK 1/2, and that laminin-5 promotes its osteogenic effects through this pathway. To test this hypothesis, we plated hMSC on a laminin-5 matrix in the presence or absence of FAK-specific small inhibitory RNAs (siRNA), and assayed for phosphorylation of runx2/cbfa-1 as well as expression of established osteogenic differentiation markers (bone sialoprotein, osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase, calcium deposition, and mineral:matrix ratio). We found that siRNA treatment reduced total endogenous FAK protein by approximately 40%, and reduced FAK phosphorylation on Y397 by approximately 33% in cells plated on laminin-5 for 30 min. SiRNA treated cells exhibited a decrease in ERK 1/2 phosphorylation after 1 h, and reduced serine/threonine phosphorylation of Runx2/Cbfa-1 after 8 days. Finally, FAK inhibition blocked osteogenic differentiation of hMSC, as assessed by lowered expression of osteogenic genes (RT-PCR), decreased alkaline phosphatase activity, greatly reduced calcium deposition, and a lower mineral:matrix ratio after 28 days in culture. These results establish FAK as an important mediator of laminin-5-induced osteogenic differentiation of hMSC.
Leupaxin is a LIM domain-containing adapter protein belonging to the paxillin family that has been previously reported to be preferentially expressed in hematopoietic cells. Herein, we identified leupaxin in a screen for focal adhesion kinase binding partners in aortic smooth muscle, and we show that leupaxin is enriched in human and mouse vascular smooth muscle and that leupaxin expression is dynamically regulated during development. In addition, our studies reveal that leupaxin can undergo cytoplasmic/nuclear shuttling and functions as an serum response factor cofactor in the nucleus. We found that leupaxin forms a complex with serum response factor and associates with CArG-containing regions of smooth muscle promoters and that ectopic expression of leupaxin induces smooth muscle marker gene expression in both 10T1/2 cells and rat aortic smooth muscle cells. Subsequent studies indicated that enhanced focal adhesion kinase activity (induced by fibronectin or expression of constitutively active focal adhesion kinase) attenuates the nuclear accumulation of leupaxin and limits the ability of leupaxin to enhance serum response factor-dependent gene transcription. Thus, these studies indicate that modulation of the subcellular localization of serum response factor cofactors is 1 mechanism by which extracellular matrix-dependent signals may regulate phenotypic switching of smooth muscle cells.
Cancer cells require sustained oncogenic signaling in order to maintain their malignant properties. It is, however, unclear whether they possess other dependencies that can be exploited therapeutically. We report here that in a large fraction of human breast cancers, the gene encoding focal adhesion kinase (FAK), a core component of integrin signaling, was amplified and FAK mRNA was overexpressed. A mammary gland-specific deletion of Fak in mice did not seem to affect normal mammary epithelial cells, and these mice were protected from tumors initiated by the polyoma middle T oncoprotein (PyMT), which activates Ras and PI3K. FAK-deficient PyMT-transformed cells displayed both growth arrest and apoptosis, as well as diminished invasive and metastatic capacity. Upon silencing of Fak, mouse mammary tumor cells transformed by activated Ras became senescent and lost their invasive ability. Further, Neu-transformed cells also underwent growth arrest and apoptosis if integrin beta4-dependent signaling was simultaneously inactivated. Human breast cancer cells carrying oncogenic mutations that activate Ras or PI3K signaling displayed similar responses upon silencing of FAK. Mechanistic studies indicated that FAK sustains tumorigenesis by promoting Src-mediated phosphorylation of p130Cas. These results suggest that FAK supports Ras- and PI3K-dependent mammary tumor initiation, maintenance, and progression to metastasis by orchestrating multiple core cellular functions, including proliferation, survival, and avoidance of senescence.
FAK is known as an integrin- and growth factor-associated tyrosine kinase promoting cell motility. Here we show that, during mouse development, FAK inactivation results in p53- and p21-dependent mesodermal cell growth arrest. Reconstitution of primary FAK-/-p21-/- fibroblasts revealed that FAK, in a kinase-independent manner, facilitates p53 turnover via enhanced Mdm2-dependent p53 ubiquitination. p53 inactivation by FAK required FAK FERM F1 lobe binding to p53, FERM F2 lobe-mediated nuclear localization, and FERM F3 lobe for connections to Mdm2 and proteasomal degradation. Staurosporine or loss of cell adhesion enhanced FERM-dependent FAK nuclear accumulation. In primary human cells, FAK knockdown raised p53-p21 levels and slowed cell proliferation but did not cause apoptosis. Notably, FAK knockdown plus cisplatin triggered p53-dependent cell apoptosis, which was rescued by either full-length FAK or FAK FERM re-expression. These studies define a scaffolding role for nuclear FAK in facilitating cell survival through enhanced p53 degradation under conditions of cellular stress.
Integrins are transmembrane receptors that bind to extracellular matrix proteins and convey anchorage-dependent signals regulating normal cell proliferation. Integrin signals within the tumor micro-environment also impact cancer cell survival and invasion during tumor progression. These integrin-associated signaling events are transduced in part through the activation of non-receptor protein-tyrosine kinases. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is activated by beta-subunit integrins in both normal and transformed cells. As genetic inactivation of beta1 integrin or FAK yield early embryonic lethal phenotypes associated with decreased cell proliferation, and dominant-negative inhibition of FAK can cause increased cell apoptosis, there is a concern that FAK inhibition may have cytotoxic effects on cell growth or survival. However, FAK-specific small molecule inhibitors do not directly impact cell growth in culture, but yet show potent anti-tumor growth effects in vivo. Additionally, recent studies have shed new insight into the FAK kinase-independent regulation of cell proliferation and survival mediated by the FAK N-terminal FERM (band 4.1, ezrin, radixin, moesin homology) domain. Herein, we review the role of the FAK FERM domain in both the intrinsic regulation of FAK kinase activity and how FERM-mediated nuclear localization of FAK promotes enhanced cell survival through the inhibition of tumor suppressor p53 activation during development and under conditions of cellular stress. As we find that FAK FERM-mediated regulation of p53 occurs in human carcinoma cells, elevated FAK expression in tumors may promote both kinase-dependent and -independent survival mechanisms. We discuss how the pharmacological inhibition of FAK kinase activity may impact tumor progression through combined effects of blocking both tumor- and stromal-associated signaling regulating neo-vascularization.
Etk/BMX, a member of the Btk family of tyrosine kinases, is highly expressed in cells with great migratory potential, including endothelial cells and metastatic carcinoma cell lines. Here, we present evidence that Etk is involved in integrin signalling and promotes cell migration. The activation of Etk by extracellular matrix proteins is regulated by FAK through an interaction between the PH domain of Etk and the FERM domain of FAK. The lack of Etk activation by extracellular matrix in FAK-null cells could be restored by co-transfection with wild-type FAK. Disrupting the interaction between Etk and FAK diminished the cell migration promoted by either kinase. Furthermore, inhibiting Etk expression in metastatic carcinoma cell lines with an antisense oligonucleotide blocks integrin-mediated migration of these cells. Taken together, our data indicate the essential role of the interaction of the PH domain of Etk and the FERM domain of FAK in integrin signalling.
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a nonreceptor tyrosine kinase that on activation generates signals that can modulate crucial cell functions, including cell proliferation, migration, and survival. In vitro, overexpression of FAK has been shown to promote cell proliferation by signaling through the Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade in several cell types. We have shown previously that overexpression of exogenous FAK lacking alternative splicing in malignant astrocytoma clones injected intracerebrally into SCID mouse brains promotes tumor cell proliferation. Here, we show that in anaplastic astrocytoma biopsy samples, FAK is expressed as an unspliced variant and migrates with a faster mobility similar to that observed in embryonic brain. Compared with nonneoplastic adult brain biopsies, the levels of FAK protein are elevated as are its levels of activation as assessed by autophosphorylation and overall tyrosine phosphorylation. The activity of Src kinase in these tumors is also elevated, as well as the activity of Src kinase associated with FAK; the latter may result in enhanced Src kinase phosphorylation of FAK. Phosphorylated Shc is associated with FAK in the anaplastic astrocytoma biopsy samples and in astrocytoma cells overexpressing FAK in vitro but not in nonneoplastic brain biopsy samples. Elevated extracellular signal-regulated kinase-2 activation and elevated expression of cyclins D and E are also found in anaplastic astrocytoma biopsy samples. These data provide evidence that the increased FAK activity in these tumors contributes to phosphorylation of Shc and likely to the promotion of Ras activity, extracellular signal-regulated kinase-2 activation, and cell proliferation in vivo.
Integrins can alter cellular behavior through the recruitment and activation of signaling proteins such as non-receptor tyrosine kinases including focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and c-Src that form a dual kinase complex. The FAK-Src complex binds to and can phosphorylate various adaptor proteins such as p130Cas and paxillin. In normal cells, multiple integrin-regulated linkages exist to activate FAK or Src. Activated FAK-Src functions to promote cell motility, cell cycle progression and cell survival. Recent studies have found that the FAK-Src complex is activated in many tumor cells and generates signals leading to tumor growth and metastasis. As both FAK and Src catalytic activities are important in promoting VEGF-associated tumor angiogenesis and protease-associated tumor metastasis, support is growing that FAK and Src may be therapeutically relevant targets in the inhibition of tumor progression.
Whether RET is able to directly phosphorylate and activate downstream targets independently of the binding of proteins that contain Src homology 2 or phosphotyrosine binding domains and whether mechanisms in trans by cytoplasmic kinases can modulate RET function and signaling remain largely unexplored. In this study, oligopeptide arrays were used to screen substrates directly phosphorylated by purified recombinant wild-type and oncogenic RET kinase domain in the presence or absence of small molecule inhibitors. The results of the peptide array were validated by enzyme kinetics, in vitro kinase, and cell-based experiments. The identification of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) as a direct substrate for RET kinase revealed (i) a RET-FAK transactivation mechanism consisting of direct phosphorylation of FAK Tyr-576/577 by RET and a reciprocal phosphorylation of RET by FAK, which crucially is able to rescue the kinase-impaired RET K758M mutant and (ii) that FAK binds RET via its FERM domain. Interestingly, this interaction is abolished upon RET phosphorylation, indicating that RET binding to the FERM domain of FAK is a priming step for RET-FAK transactivation. Finally, our data indicate that FAK inhibitors could be used as potential therapeutic agents for patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 tumors because both, treatment with the FAK kinase inhibitor NVP-TAE226 and FAK down-regulation by siRNA reduced RET phosphorylation and signaling as well as the proliferation and survival of tumor and transfected cell lines expressing oncogenic RET.
Platelets are crucial at the site of vascular injury, adhering to the sub-endothelial matrix through receptors on their surface, leading to cell activation and aggregation to form a haemostatic plug. Platelets display focal adhesions as well as stress fibres to contract and facilitate expulsion of growth and pro-coagulant factors contained in the granules and to constrict the clot. The interaction of F-actin with different actin-binding proteins determines the properties and composition of the focal adhesions. Recently, we demonstrated the presence of dystrophin-associated protein complex corresponding to short dystrophin isoforms (Dp71d and Dp71) and the uthophin gene family (Up400 and Up71), which promote shape change, adhesion, aggregation, and granule centralisation. To elucidate participation of both complexes during the platelet adhesion process, their potential association with integrin beta-1 fraction and the focal adhesion system (alpha-actinin, vinculin and talin) was evaluated by immunofluorescence and immunoprecipitation assays. It was shown that the short dystrophin-associated protein complex participated in stress fibre assembly and in centralisation of cytoplasmic granules, while the utrophin-associated protein complex assembled and regulated focal adhesions. The simultaneous presence of dystrophin and utrophin complexes indicates complementary structural and signalling mechanisms to the actin network, improving the platelet haemostatic role.
J. Immunol. 165, 2116-2123 (2000)[PubMed:10925297]
Neutrophil adhesion is fundamentally important during the onset of inflammatory responses. The adhesion signaling pathways control neutrophil arrest and extravasation and influence neutrophil shape and function at sites of inflammation. In the present study the intracellular signaling pathways for the adhesion of human neutrophils by pituitary growth hormone (GH) were examined. Pituitary GH triggered the tyrosine phosphorylation of Janus kinase 2 (Jak2) and STAT3 in neutrophils. In addition, pituitary GH treatment resulted in the morphological changes and the tyrosine phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (p125FAK) and paxillin. Preincubation with genistein, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, blocked the GH-stimulated adhesion and Jak2, STAT3, p125FAK, and paxillin phosphorylation. Confocal microscopy revealed that pituitary GH stimulates the focal localization of p125FAK, paxillin, phosphotyrosine, and filamentous actin filament into the membrane rufflings and uropods of human neutrophils. Immunoprecipitation experiments revealed a physical association of Jak2 with p125FAK via STAT3 in vivo. Also an in vitro kinase assay showed an augmentation of p125FAK autophosphorylation as a result of pituitary GH treatment. These results suggest that pituitary GH modulates neutrophil adhesion through tyrosine phosphorylation of Jak2, p125FAK, and paxillin and actin polymerization.
Interactions between receptor tyrosine kinases of the Eph family and their ligands, ephrins, are implicated in establishment of organ boundaries and repulsive guidance of cell migration during development, but the mechanisms by which this is achieved are unclear. Here we show that activation of endogenous EphA2 kinase induces an inactive conformation of integrins and inhibits cell spreading, migration and integrin-mediated adhesion. Moreover, EphA2 is constitutively associated with focal-adhesion kinase (FAK) in resting cells. Within one minute after stimulation of EphA2 with its ligand, ephrin-A1, the protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP2 is recruited to EphA2; this is followed by dephosphorylation of FAK and paxillin, and dissociation of the FAK-EphA2 complex. We conclude that Eph kinases mediate some of their functions by negatively regulating integrins and FAK.
Etk/BMX, a member of the Btk family of tyrosine kinases, is highly expressed in cells with great migratory potential, including endothelial cells and metastatic carcinoma cell lines. Here, we present evidence that Etk is involved in integrin signalling and promotes cell migration. The activation of Etk by extracellular matrix proteins is regulated by FAK through an interaction between the PH domain of Etk and the FERM domain of FAK. The lack of Etk activation by extracellular matrix in FAK-null cells could be restored by co-transfection with wild-type FAK. Disrupting the interaction between Etk and FAK diminished the cell migration promoted by either kinase. Furthermore, inhibiting Etk expression in metastatic carcinoma cell lines with an antisense oligonucleotide blocks integrin-mediated migration of these cells. Taken together, our data indicate the essential role of the interaction of the PH domain of Etk and the FERM domain of FAK in integrin signalling.
Interacting selectively and non-covalently with a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, any enzyme that catalyzes the addition of a phosphate group to an inositol lipid at the 3' position of the inositol ring.
Interacting selectively and non-covalently with any protein or protein complex (a complex of two or more proteins that may include other nonprotein molecules).
Evidence
1:
Inferred from Physical InteractionUniProtKB
Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) induces actin rearrangement, focal adhesion assembly, and cell migration through the activation of small G protein Rho and its downstream effectors. These diverse cellular responses are mediated by its associated G protein-coupled receptors. However, the mechanisms and specificity by which these LPA receptors mediate LPA actions are still poorly understood. Here we show that LPA stimulation promotes the interaction of the LPA(2) receptor with a focal adhesion molecule, TRIP6 (thyroid receptor interacting protein 6)/ZRP-1 (zyxin-related protein 1). TRIP6 directly binds to the carboxyl-terminal tail of the LPA(2) receptor through its LIM domains. LPA-dependent recruitment of TRIP6 to the plasma membrane promotes its targeting to focal adhesions and co-localization with actin stress fibers. In addition, TRIP6 associates with the components of focal complexes including paxillin, focal adhesion kinase, c-Src, and p130(cas) in an agonist-dependent manner. Overexpression of TRIP6 augments LPA-induced cell migration; in contrast, suppression of endogenous TRIP6 expression by a TRIP6-specific small interfering RNA reduces it in SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells. Strikingly, the association with TRIP6 is specific to the LPA(2) receptor but not LPA(1) or LPA(3) receptor, indicating a specific role for TRIP6 in regulating LPA(2) receptor-mediated signaling. Taken together, our results suggest that TRIP6 functions at a point of convergence between the activated LPA(2) receptor and downstream signals involved in cell adhesion and migration.
Evidence
2:
Inferred from Physical InteractionUniProtKB
Leupaxin is a LIM domain-containing adapter protein belonging to the paxillin family that has been previously reported to be preferentially expressed in hematopoietic cells. Herein, we identified leupaxin in a screen for focal adhesion kinase binding partners in aortic smooth muscle, and we show that leupaxin is enriched in human and mouse vascular smooth muscle and that leupaxin expression is dynamically regulated during development. In addition, our studies reveal that leupaxin can undergo cytoplasmic/nuclear shuttling and functions as an serum response factor cofactor in the nucleus. We found that leupaxin forms a complex with serum response factor and associates with CArG-containing regions of smooth muscle promoters and that ectopic expression of leupaxin induces smooth muscle marker gene expression in both 10T1/2 cells and rat aortic smooth muscle cells. Subsequent studies indicated that enhanced focal adhesion kinase activity (induced by fibronectin or expression of constitutively active focal adhesion kinase) attenuates the nuclear accumulation of leupaxin and limits the ability of leupaxin to enhance serum response factor-dependent gene transcription. Thus, these studies indicate that modulation of the subcellular localization of serum response factor cofactors is 1 mechanism by which extracellular matrix-dependent signals may regulate phenotypic switching of smooth muscle cells.
Evidence
3:
Inferred from Physical InteractionHGNC
Changes in cell morphology and motility are mediated by the actin cytoskeleton. Recent advances in our understanding of the regulators of microfilament structure and dynamics have shed light on how these changes are controlled, and efforts continue to define all the structural and signaling components involved in these processes. The actin cytoskeleton-associated protein talin binds to integrins, vinculin, and actin. We report a new binding partner for talin that we have named layilin, which contains homology with C-type lectins, is present in numerous cell lines and tissue extracts, and is expressed on the cell surface. Layilin colocalizes with talin in membrane ruffles, and is recruited to membrane ruffles in cells induced to migrate in in vitro wounding experiments and in peripheral ruffles in spreading cells. A ten-amino acid motif in the layilin cytoplasmic domain is sufficient for talin binding. We have identified a short region within talin's amino-terminal 435 amino acids capable of binding to layilin in vitro. This region overlaps a binding site for focal adhesion kinase.
Evidence
4:
Inferred from Physical InteractionIntAct
We recently identified p140Cap as a novel adaptor protein, expressed in epithelial-rich tissues and phosphorylated upon cell matrix adhesion and growth factor treatment. Here, we characterise p140Cap as a novel Src-binding protein, which regulates Src activation via C-terminal Src kinase (Csk). p140Cap silencing increases cell spreading, migration rate and Src kinase activity. Accordingly, increased expression of p140Cap activates Csk, leading to inhibition of Src and downstream signalling as well as of cell motility and invasion. Moreover, cell proliferation and "in vivo" breast cancer cell growth are strongly impaired by high levels of p140Cap, providing the first evidence that p140Cap is a novel negative regulator of tumour growth.
Evidence
5:
Inferred from Physical InteractionIntAct
Loss of properly regulated cell death and cell survival pathways can contribute to the development of cancer and cancer metastasis. Cell survival signals are modulated by many different receptors, including integrins. Bit-1 is an effector of anoikis (cell death due to loss of attachment) in suspended cells. The anoikis function of Bit-1 can be counteracted by integrin-mediated cell attachment. Here, we explored integrin regulation of Bit-1 in adherent cells. We show that knockdown of endogenous Bit-1 in adherent cells decreased cell survival and re-expression of Bit-1 abrogated this effect. Furthermore, reduction of Bit-1 promoted both staurosporine and serum-deprivation induced apoptosis. Indeed knockdown of Bit-1 in these cells led to increased apoptosis as determined by caspase-3 activation and positive TUNEL staining. Bit-1 expression protected cells from apoptosis by increasing phospho-IκB levels and subsequently bcl-2 gene transcription. Protection from apoptosis under serum-free conditions correlated with bcl-2 transcription and Bcl-2 protein expression. Finally, Bit-1-mediated regulation of bcl-2 was dependent on focal adhesion kinase, PI3K, and AKT. Thus, we have elucidated an integrin-controlled pathway in which Bit-1 is, in part, responsible for the survival effects of cell-ECM interactions.
Evidence
6:
Inferred from Physical InteractionUniProtKB
J. Investig. Med. 48, 190-197 (2000)[PubMed:10822899]
alpha v beta 3 integrins have been implicated in regulating vascular healing in animal models of arterial injury. Because the specific cellular events mediated by alpha v beta 3 integrins are not completely understood, we examined alpha v beta 3 integrin-dependent cytoplasmic events in cultured human smooth muscle cells (SMC) following treatment with thrombospondin-1 (TSP), a glycoprotein concentrated at sites of blood vessel injury. TSP treatment elicited a time-dependent association of nonmuscle myosin heavy chain-A (NMHC-A) with alpha v beta 3 integrins. NMHC-A also associated with focal adhesion kinase (FAK) in TSP-treated SMC. FAK, a nonreceptor kinase implicated in integrin-mediated signaling, was phosphorylated on tyrosine in growth-arrested SMC, but levels of tyrosine phosphorylation increased following treatment with TSP. To test whether NMHC-A was regulated by vascular injury, we examined expression in baboon brachial arteries. In uninjured arteries, NMHC-A staining was present in the media. In arteries injured by balloon withdrawal, medial NMHC-A expression was increased with intense staining at specific sites. In summary, heteromeric protein complexes involving alpha v beta 3 integrins, NMHC-A, and FAK form following treatment of human SMC with TSP. These results suggest that the formation of protein signaling complexes is one mechanism whereby alpha v beta 3 integrins influence intracellular signaling pathways.
Evidence
7:
Inferred from Physical InteractionIntAct
Clinical and genomic evidence suggests that the metastatic potential of a primary tumor may be dictated by prometastatic events that have additional oncogenic capability. To test this "deterministic" hypothesis, we adopted a comparative oncogenomics-guided function-based strategy involving: (1) comparison of global transcriptomes of two genetically engineered mouse models with contrasting metastatic potential, (2) genomic and transcriptomic profiles of human melanoma, (3) functional genetic screen for enhancers of cell invasion, and (4) evidence of expression selection in human melanoma tissues. This integrated effort identified six genes that are potently proinvasive and oncogenic. Furthermore, we show that one such gene, ACP5, confers spontaneous metastasis in vivo, engages a key pathway governing metastasis, and is prognostic in human primary melanomas.
Evidence
8:
Inferred from Physical InteractionIntAct
Interactions between receptor tyrosine kinases of the Eph family and their ligands, ephrins, are implicated in establishment of organ boundaries and repulsive guidance of cell migration during development, but the mechanisms by which this is achieved are unclear. Here we show that activation of endogenous EphA2 kinase induces an inactive conformation of integrins and inhibits cell spreading, migration and integrin-mediated adhesion. Moreover, EphA2 is constitutively associated with focal-adhesion kinase (FAK) in resting cells. Within one minute after stimulation of EphA2 with its ligand, ephrin-A1, the protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP2 is recruited to EphA2; this is followed by dephosphorylation of FAK and paxillin, and dissociation of the FAK-EphA2 complex. We conclude that Eph kinases mediate some of their functions by negatively regulating integrins and FAK.
Evidence
9:
Inferred from Physical InteractionUniProtKB
Integrin-mediated cell adhesion triggers intracellular signaling cascades, including tyrosine phosphorylation of intracellular proteins. Among these are the focal adhesion proteins p130cas (Cas) and focal adhesion kinase (FAK). Here we identify the kinase(s) mediating integrin-induced Cas phosphorylation and characterize protein-protein interactions mediated by phosphorylated Cas. We found that expression of a constitutively active FAK in fibroblasts results in a consecutive tyrosine phosphorylation of Cas. This effect required the autophosphorylation site of FAK, which is a binding site for Src family kinases. Integrin-mediated phosphorylation of Cas was not, however, compromised in fibroblasts lacking FAK. In contrast, adhesion-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of Cas was reduced in cells lacking Src, whereas enhanced phosphorylation of Cas was observed Csk- cells, in which Src kinases are activated. These results suggest that Src kinases are responsible for the integrin-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation of Cas. FAK seems not to be necessary for phosphorylation of Cas, but when autophosphorylated, FAK may recruit Src family kinases to phosphorylate Cas. Cas was found to form complexes with Src homology 2 (SH2) domain-containing signaling molecules, such as the SH2/SH3 adapter protein Crk, following integrin-induced tyrosine phosphorylation. Guanine nucleotide exchange factors C3G and Sos were found in the Cas-Crk complex upon integrin ligand binding. These observations suggest that Cas serves as a docking protein and may transduce signals to downstream signaling pathways following integrin-mediated cell adhesion.
Evidence
10:
Inferred from Physical InteractionIntAct
The focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a key regulator of cell migration. Phosphorylation at Tyr-397 activates FAK and creates a binding site for Src family kinases. FAK phosphorylates the cytoskeletal protein alpha-actinin at Tyr-12. Here we report that protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP 1B) is an alpha-actinin phosphatase. PTP 1B-dependent dephosphorylation of alpha-actinin was seen in COS-7 cells and PTP 1B-null fibroblasts reconstituted with PTP 1B. Furthermore, we show that coexpression of wild-type alpha-actinin and PTP 1B causes dephosphorylation at Tyr-397 in FAK. No dephosphorylation was observed in cells coexpressing the alpha-actinin phosphorylation mutant Y12F and PTP 1B. Furthermore, the phosphorylation at four other sites in FAK was not altered by PTP 1B. In addition, we found that phosphorylated alpha-actinin bound to Src and reduced the binding of FAK to Src. The dephosphorylation at Tyr-397 in FAK triggered by wild-type alpha-actinin and PTP 1B caused a significant increase in cell migration. We propose that phosphorylated alpha-actinin disrupts the FAK x Src complex exposing Tyr-397 in FAK to PTP 1B. These findings uncover a novel feedback loop involving phosphorylated alpha-actinin and PTP 1B that regulates FAK x Src interaction and cell migration.
Evidence
11:
Inferred from Physical InteractionIntAct
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a nonreceptor kinase that is overexpressed in many types of tumors and associates with multiple cell surface receptors and intracellular signaling proteins through which it can play an important role in survival signaling. A link between FAK and p53 in survival signaling has been reported, although the molecular basis of these events has not been described. In the present study, we report that FAK physically and specifically interacts with p53 as demonstrated by pull-down, immunoprecipitation, and co-localization analyses. Using different constructs of N-terminal, central, and C-terminal fragments of FAK and p53 proteins, we determined that the N-terminal fragment of FAK directly interacts with the N-terminal transactivation domain of p53. Inhibition of p53 with small interfering p53 RNA resulted in a decreased complex of FAK and p53 proteins in 293 cells, and induction of p53 with doxorubicin in normal human fibroblasts caused an increase of FAK and p53 interaction. Introduction of the FAK plasmid into p53-null SAOS-2 cells was able to rescue these cells from apoptosis induced by expression of wild type p53. In HCT 116 colon cancer cells, co-transfection of FAK plasmid with p21, MDM-2, and BAX luciferase plasmids resulted in significant inhibition of p53-responsive luciferase activities, demonstrating that FAK can reduce transcriptional activity of p53. The results of the FAK and p53 interaction study strongly support the conclusion that FAK can suppress p53-mediated apoptosis and inhibit transcriptional activity of p53. This provides a novel mechanism for FAK-p53-mediated survival/apoptotic signaling.
Evidence
12:
Inferred from Physical InteractionIntAct
J. Exp. Med. 182, 1089-1099 (1995)[PubMed:7561682]
Focal adhesion kinase (pp125FAK) is localized to focal adhesions and tyrosine phosphorylated by the engagement of beta 1 integrins. However, it is unclear how pp125FAK is linked to integrin molecules. We demonstrate that pp125FAK is directly associated with paxillin, a 68-kD cytoskeleton protein. The COOH-terminal domain of pp125FAK spanning FAK residues 919-1042 is sufficient for paxillin binding and has vinculin-homologous amino acids, which are essential for paxillin binding. Microinjection and subsequent immunohistochemical analysis reveal that glutathione S-transferase-FAK fusion proteins, which bind to paxillin, localize to focal adhesions, whereas fusion proteins with no paxillin-binding activity do not localize to focal adhesions. These findings strongly suggest that pp125FAK is localized to focal adhesions by the direct association with paxillin.
Evidence
13:
Inferred from Physical InteractionIntAct
J. Biol. Chem. 273, 26516-26521 (1998)[PubMed:9756887]
Hydrogen peroxide-inducible clone (Hic)-5 is induced during the senescent process in human fibroblasts, and the overexpression of Hic-5 induces a senescence-like phenotype. Structurally, Hic-5 and paxillin, a 68-kDa cytoskeletal protein, share homology such as the LD motifs in the N-terminal half and the LIM domains in the C-terminal half. Here we show that Hic-5 binds to focal adhesion kinase (FAK) by its N-terminal domain, and is localized to focal adhesions by its C-terminal LIM domains. However, Hic-5 is not tyrosine phosphorylated either by the coexpressed FAK in COS cells or by integrin stimulation in 293T cells. Furthermore, overexpression of Hic-5 results in a decreased tyrosine phosphorylation of paxillin. These findings suggest that putative functions of Hic-5 are the recruitment of FAK to focal adhesions and a competitive inhibition of tyrosine phosphorylation of paxillin.
Evidence
14:
Inferred from Physical InteractionBHF-UCL
Platelets are crucial at the site of vascular injury, adhering to the sub-endothelial matrix through receptors on their surface, leading to cell activation and aggregation to form a haemostatic plug. Platelets display focal adhesions as well as stress fibres to contract and facilitate expulsion of growth and pro-coagulant factors contained in the granules and to constrict the clot. The interaction of F-actin with different actin-binding proteins determines the properties and composition of the focal adhesions. Recently, we demonstrated the presence of dystrophin-associated protein complex corresponding to short dystrophin isoforms (Dp71d and Dp71) and the uthophin gene family (Up400 and Up71), which promote shape change, adhesion, aggregation, and granule centralisation. To elucidate participation of both complexes during the platelet adhesion process, their potential association with integrin beta-1 fraction and the focal adhesion system (alpha-actinin, vinculin and talin) was evaluated by immunofluorescence and immunoprecipitation assays. It was shown that the short dystrophin-associated protein complex participated in stress fibre assembly and in centralisation of cytoplasmic granules, while the utrophin-associated protein complex assembled and regulated focal adhesions. The simultaneous presence of dystrophin and utrophin complexes indicates complementary structural and signalling mechanisms to the actin network, improving the platelet haemostatic role.
Evidence
15:
Inferred from Physical InteractionIntAct
In human intestinal epithelial crypt (HIEC) cells, the PI3-K/Akt-1 pathway is crucial for the promotion of cell survival and suppression of anoikis. Class I PI3-K consists of a complex formed by a catalytic (C) and regulatory (R) subunit. Three R (p85α, β, and p55γ) and four C (p110α, β, γ and δ) isoforms are known. Herein, we analyzed the expression of PI3-K isoforms in HIEC cells and determined their roles in cell survival, as well as in the β1 integrin/Fak/Src-mediated suppression of anoikis. We report that: (1) the predominant PI3-K complexes expressed by HIEC cells are p110α/p85β and p110α/p55γ; (2) the inhibition and/or siRNA-mediated expression silencing of p110α, but not that of p110β, γ or δ, results in Akt-1 down-activation and consequent apoptosis; (3) the expression silencing of p85β or p55γ, but not that of p85α, likewise induces Akt-1 down-activation and apoptosis; however, the impact of a loss of p55γ on both Akt-1 activation and cell survival is significantly greater than that from the loss of p85β; and (4) both the p110α/p85β and p110α/p55γ complexes are engaged by β1 integrin/Fak/Src signaling; however, the engagement of p110α/p85β is primarily Src-dependent, whereas that of p110α/p55γ is primarily Fak-dependent (but Src-independent). Hence, HIEC cells selectively express PI3-K isoform complexes, translating into distinct roles in Akt-1 activation and cell survival, as well as in a selective engagement by Fak and/or Src within the context of β1 integrin/Fak/Src-mediated suppression of anoikis.
Evidence
16:
Inferred from Physical InteractionUniProtKB
Etk/BMX, a member of the Btk family of tyrosine kinases, is highly expressed in cells with great migratory potential, including endothelial cells and metastatic carcinoma cell lines. Here, we present evidence that Etk is involved in integrin signalling and promotes cell migration. The activation of Etk by extracellular matrix proteins is regulated by FAK through an interaction between the PH domain of Etk and the FERM domain of FAK. The lack of Etk activation by extracellular matrix in FAK-null cells could be restored by co-transfection with wild-type FAK. Disrupting the interaction between Etk and FAK diminished the cell migration promoted by either kinase. Furthermore, inhibiting Etk expression in metastatic carcinoma cell lines with an antisense oligonucleotide blocks integrin-mediated migration of these cells. Taken together, our data indicate the essential role of the interaction of the PH domain of Etk and the FERM domain of FAK in integrin signalling.
Evidence
17:
Inferred from Physical InteractionIntAct
Ethanol is a tumor promoter. Both epidemiological and experimental studies suggest that ethanol may enhance the metastasis of breast cancer cells. We have previously demonstrated that ethanol increased the migration/invasion of breast cancer cells expressing high levels of ErbB2. Amplification of ErbB2 is found in 20-30% of breast cancer patients and is associated with poor prognosis. We sought to identify agents that can prevent or ameliorate ethanol-induced invasion of breast cancer cells. Cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G), an anthocyanin present in many vegetables and fruits, is a potent natural antioxidant. Ethanol exposure causes the accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). This study evaluated the effect of C3G on ethanol-induced breast cancer cell migration/invasion.
Evidence
18:
Inferred from Physical InteractionIntAct
In cell lines from advanced lung cancer, breast cancer, and melanoma, endogenous tensin-3 contributes to cell migration, anchorage-independent growth, and tumorigenesis. Although SH2 domains have not been reported previously to be phosphorylated, the tensin-3 SH2 domain is a physiologic substrate for Src. Tyrosines in the SH2 domain contribute to the biological activity of tensin-3, and phosphorylation of these tyrosines can regulate ligand binding. In a mouse breast cancer model, tensin-3 tyrosines are phosphorylated in a Src-associated manner in primary tumors, and experimental metastases induced by tumor-derived cell lines depend on endogenous tensin-3. Thus, tensin-3 is implicated as an oncoprotein regulated by Src and possessing an SH2 domain with a previously undescribed mechanism for the regulation of ligand binding.
Evidence
19:
Inferred from Physical InteractionUniProtKB
Focal adhesion (FA) consists of multiple cellular proteins including paxillin and serves as a center for adhesion-mediated signaling. The assembly and disassembly of FAs is regulated by locally produced intracellular signals, and tyrosine phosphorylation of paxillin has been implicated in this process. A Lin-11 Isl-1 Mec-3 (LIM) domain-containing adaptor protein, leupaxin, a member of the paxillin family, is expressed in leukocytes as well as in certain cancer cells, and shares overall structural characteristics with paxillin. However, it remains unknown whether leupaxin and paxillin cooperate with or antagonize each other in integrin signaling. Here we show that leupaxin potently represses the tyrosine phosphorylation of paxillin. When expressed in mouse thymoma BW5147 cells bound to ICAM-1, leupaxin accumulated in FA-like patches in the cell periphery. When expressed in NIH3T3 and HEK293T cells, leupaxin localized to FAs upon cell adhesion to fibronectin and strongly suppressed the integrin-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of paxillin. In integrin-stimulated HEK293T cells, leupaxin's LIM3 domain appeared essential for selective FA localization and the suppression of paxillin tyrosine phosphorylation. Leupaxin's LD3 motif, which is critical for stable association with FAK, was dispensable for leupaxin's suppressive ability. In addition, leupaxin reduced the spreading of NIH3T3 cells on fibronectin, which required both the LD3 motif and LIM3 domain. When expressed in human leukocytic K562 cells, leupaxin significantly suppressed integrin alpha5beta1-mediated cell adhesion to fibronectin and the tyrosine phosphorylation of paxillin. These findings indicate that leupaxin functions as a paxillin counterpart that potently suppresses the tyrosine phosphorylation of paxillin during integrin signaling.
Interacting selectively and non-covalently with a protein kinase, any enzyme that catalyzes the transfer of a phosphate group, usually from ATP, to a protein substrate.
Evidence
1:
Inferred from Physical InteractionUniProtKB
The Eph-ephrin receptor-ligand system is implicated in cell behavior and morphology. EphA1 is the founding member of the Eph receptors, but little is known about its function. Here, we show that activation of EphA1 kinase inhibits cell spreading and migration in a RhoA-ROCK-dependent manner. We also describe a novel interaction between EphA1 and integrin-linked kinase (ILK), a mediator of interactions between integrin and the actin cytoskeleton. The C-terminal sterile alpha motif (SAM) domain of EphA1 is required and the ankyrin region of ILK is sufficient for the interaction between EphA1 and ILK. The interaction is independent of EphA1 kinase activity but dependent on stimulation of the EphA1 ligand ephrin-A1. Activation of EphA1 kinase resulted in a decrease of ILK activity. Finally, we demonstrated that expression of a kinase-active form of ILK (S343D) rescued the EphA1-mediated spreading defect, and attenuated RhoA activation. These results suggest that EphA1 regulates cell morphology and motility through the ILK-RhoA-ROCK pathway.
Interacting selectively and non-covalently with a SH2 domain (Src homology 2) of a protein, a protein domain of about 100 amino-acid residues and belonging to the alpha + beta domain class.
Evidence
1:
Inferred from Physical InteractionUniProtKB
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) signaling may be mediated through the modulation of Ras activity. We have shown previously that grade III malignant astrocytoma biopsy samples exhibit elevated levels of FAK, and that overexpression of FAK in U-251MG malignant astrocytoma cells promotes the phosphorylation of Shc, a potential upstream mediator of Ras activity. Here, we report that overexpression of FAK promotes Ras activity in U-251MG malignant astrocytoma cells cultured in aggregate suspension or as monolayers adherent to vitronectin. The overexpression of FAK also promoted the association of FAK with p120RasGAP, which is a negative regulator of Ras activity, in the U-251MG cells cultured in aggregate suspension, with this association being abrogated upon plating of the cells onto vitronectin. An association of FAK with p120RasGAP also was observed in malignant astrocytoma biopsy samples, but not in normal brain samples. As overexpression of FAK in U-251MG cells in aggregate suspension culture reduced the amount of p120RasGAP complexed with active Ras, we hypothesize that the association of FAK with p120 RasGAP may facilitate Ras activity. The overexpression of a mutated FAK in which the Y397 had been mutated to F did not result in the formation of the FAK/p120RasGAP complex and did not promote Ras activity, indicating that the Y397 residue of FAK plays a role in the formation of this complex and in the activation of Ras. Moreover, the overexpression of mutated FAK (397F) was found to inhibit anchorage-independent growth. These data provide the basis for a previously undescribed mechanism in which the elevated expression of FAK can promote Ras activity through its competitive recruitment of p120RasGAP, thereby diminishing the association of p120RasGAP with active Ras.
Conveys a signal across a cell to trigger a change in cell function or state. A signal is a physical entity or change in state that is used to transfer information in order to trigger a response.
FAK is a tyrosine kinase enzyme demonstrated to play an important regulatory role in several basic cellular activities. Scientific evidence have suggested that FAK possessing a central position in the integrin signaling cascade, is responsible, at least in part, for the modulation of cellular proliferation, protection from apoptosis, adhesion, spreading and migration. The role of FAK in the development of different species, including human, is under study. Various published data supported the role of the molecule in the development of the placenta, as well as of several organ systems, like the musculoskeletal, nervous, cardiovascular, genitourinary and respiratory organ systems. Additionally, FAK has been shown to be implicated in the pathophysiology of pregnancy related disorders and congenital neonatal diseases and defects. The purpose of this article is a comprehensive review of the existing literature with a view to the future and the potential conclusions that can be drawn by the study of FAK signaling on the events of early life and species development.
The chemotaxis process that directs the migration of an axon growth cone to a specific target site in response to a combination of attractive and repulsive cues.
Netrins and their classical receptors--DCC and neogenin--play key roles in neuronal guidance. Recent developments identify new roles for netrins in epithelial and vascular morphogenesis. Netrins accomplish these effects, at least in part, through binding to integrins and/or activating integrin-associated kinases such as FAK and Fyn. Here we discuss these recent findings and propose that integrins and classical netrin receptors cooperate to regulate multiple aspects of development.
Netrins and their classical receptors--DCC and neogenin--play key roles in neuronal guidance. Recent developments identify new roles for netrins in epithelial and vascular morphogenesis. Netrins accomplish these effects, at least in part, through binding to integrins and/or activating integrin-associated kinases such as FAK and Fyn. Here we discuss these recent findings and propose that integrins and classical netrin receptors cooperate to regulate multiple aspects of development.
Generation of a long process from a neuron whose cell body resides in the central nervous system. The process carries efferent (outgoing) action potentials from the cell body towards target cells.
The process whose specific outcome is the progression of an embryo from its formation until the end of its embryonic life stage. The end of the embryonic stage is organism-specific. For example, for mammals, the process would begin with zygote formation and end with birth. For insects, the process would begin at zygote formation and end with larval hatching. For plant zygotic embryos, this would be from zygote formation to the end of seed dormancy. For plant vegetative embryos, this would be from the initial determination of the cell or group of cells to form an embryo until the point when the embryo becomes independent of the parent plant.
FAK is a tyrosine kinase enzyme demonstrated to play an important regulatory role in several basic cellular activities. Scientific evidence have suggested that FAK possessing a central position in the integrin signaling cascade, is responsible, at least in part, for the modulation of cellular proliferation, protection from apoptosis, adhesion, spreading and migration. The role of FAK in the development of different species, including human, is under study. Various published data supported the role of the molecule in the development of the placenta, as well as of several organ systems, like the musculoskeletal, nervous, cardiovascular, genitourinary and respiratory organ systems. Additionally, FAK has been shown to be implicated in the pathophysiology of pregnancy related disorders and congenital neonatal diseases and defects. The purpose of this article is a comprehensive review of the existing literature with a view to the future and the potential conclusions that can be drawn by the study of FAK signaling on the events of early life and species development.
Interactions between receptor tyrosine kinases of the Eph family and their ligands, ephrins, are implicated in establishment of organ boundaries and repulsive guidance of cell migration during development, but the mechanisms by which this is achieved are unclear. Here we show that activation of endogenous EphA2 kinase induces an inactive conformation of integrins and inhibits cell spreading, migration and integrin-mediated adhesion. Moreover, EphA2 is constitutively associated with focal-adhesion kinase (FAK) in resting cells. Within one minute after stimulation of EphA2 with its ligand, ephrin-A1, the protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP2 is recruited to EphA2; this is followed by dephosphorylation of FAK and paxillin, and dissociation of the FAK-EphA2 complex. We conclude that Eph kinases mediate some of their functions by negatively regulating integrins and FAK.
Focal adhesion (FA) kinase (FAK) is a cytoplasmic protein-tyrosine kinase involved in cytoskeleton remodeling, formation and disassembly of cell adhesion structures, and in the regulation of Rho-family GTPases. Therefore, FAK is widely accepted as an important promoter of directional cell movement. Recent studies have elucidated new molecular connections of FAK in these processes. Specifically, FAK facilitates the localized and cyclic activation of guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) and GTPases-activating proteins (GAPs). In general, GEFs activate, while GAPs inactivate RhoGTPases. Therefore, FAK is in a unique signaling position to modulate RhoGTPase activity in space and time, thereby affecting various steps (integrin activation, leading edge formation, FA turnover, and trailing edge retraction) needed for efficient directional cell migration.
A process that is carried out at the cellular level which results in the assembly, arrangement of constituent parts, or disassembly of an extracellular matrix.
The process in which a relatively unspecialized cell acquires specialized features of an adipocyte, an animal connective tissue cell specialized for the synthesis and storage of fat.
J. Immunol. 165, 2116-2123 (2000)[PubMed:10925297]
Neutrophil adhesion is fundamentally important during the onset of inflammatory responses. The adhesion signaling pathways control neutrophil arrest and extravasation and influence neutrophil shape and function at sites of inflammation. In the present study the intracellular signaling pathways for the adhesion of human neutrophils by pituitary growth hormone (GH) were examined. Pituitary GH triggered the tyrosine phosphorylation of Janus kinase 2 (Jak2) and STAT3 in neutrophils. In addition, pituitary GH treatment resulted in the morphological changes and the tyrosine phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (p125FAK) and paxillin. Preincubation with genistein, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, blocked the GH-stimulated adhesion and Jak2, STAT3, p125FAK, and paxillin phosphorylation. Confocal microscopy revealed that pituitary GH stimulates the focal localization of p125FAK, paxillin, phosphotyrosine, and filamentous actin filament into the membrane rufflings and uropods of human neutrophils. Immunoprecipitation experiments revealed a physical association of Jak2 with p125FAK via STAT3 in vivo. Also an in vitro kinase assay showed an augmentation of p125FAK autophosphorylation as a result of pituitary GH treatment. These results suggest that pituitary GH modulates neutrophil adhesion through tyrosine phosphorylation of Jak2, p125FAK, and paxillin and actin polymerization.
The developmental process in which the heart is generated and organized. The heart is a hollow, muscular organ, which, by contracting rhythmically, keeps up the circulation of the blood.
FAK is a tyrosine kinase enzyme demonstrated to play an important regulatory role in several basic cellular activities. Scientific evidence have suggested that FAK possessing a central position in the integrin signaling cascade, is responsible, at least in part, for the modulation of cellular proliferation, protection from apoptosis, adhesion, spreading and migration. The role of FAK in the development of different species, including human, is under study. Various published data supported the role of the molecule in the development of the placenta, as well as of several organ systems, like the musculoskeletal, nervous, cardiovascular, genitourinary and respiratory organ systems. Additionally, FAK has been shown to be implicated in the pathophysiology of pregnancy related disorders and congenital neonatal diseases and defects. The purpose of this article is a comprehensive review of the existing literature with a view to the future and the potential conclusions that can be drawn by the study of FAK signaling on the events of early life and species development.
A series of molecular signals initiated by the binding of extracellular ligand to an integrin on the surface of a target cell, and ending with regulation of a downstream cellular process, e.g. transcription.
Netrins and their classical receptors--DCC and neogenin--play key roles in neuronal guidance. Recent developments identify new roles for netrins in epithelial and vascular morphogenesis. Netrins accomplish these effects, at least in part, through binding to integrins and/or activating integrin-associated kinases such as FAK and Fyn. Here we discuss these recent findings and propose that integrins and classical netrin receptors cooperate to regulate multiple aspects of development.
Evidence
2:
Inferred from Mutant PhenotypeUniProtKB
Etk/BMX, a member of the Btk family of tyrosine kinases, is highly expressed in cells with great migratory potential, including endothelial cells and metastatic carcinoma cell lines. Here, we present evidence that Etk is involved in integrin signalling and promotes cell migration. The activation of Etk by extracellular matrix proteins is regulated by FAK through an interaction between the PH domain of Etk and the FERM domain of FAK. The lack of Etk activation by extracellular matrix in FAK-null cells could be restored by co-transfection with wild-type FAK. Disrupting the interaction between Etk and FAK diminished the cell migration promoted by either kinase. Furthermore, inhibiting Etk expression in metastatic carcinoma cell lines with an antisense oligonucleotide blocks integrin-mediated migration of these cells. Taken together, our data indicate the essential role of the interaction of the PH domain of Etk and the FERM domain of FAK in integrin signalling.
An intracellular protein kinase cascade containing at least a JNK (a MAPK), a JNKK (a MAPKK) and a JUN3K (a MAP3K). The cascade can also contain two additional tiers: the upstream MAP4K and the downstream MAP Kinase-activated kinase (MAPKAPK). The kinases in each tier phosphorylate and activate the kinases in the downstream tier to transmit a signal within a cell.
A process that is carried out at the cellular level which results in the assembly, arrangement of constituent parts, or disassembly of cytoskeletal structures comprising microtubules and their associated proteins.
In human intestinal epithelial crypt (HIEC) cells, the PI3-K/Akt-1 pathway is crucial for the promotion of cell survival and suppression of anoikis. Class I PI3-K consists of a complex formed by a catalytic (C) and regulatory (R) subunit. Three R (p85α, β, and p55γ) and four C (p110α, β, γ and δ) isoforms are known. Herein, we analyzed the expression of PI3-K isoforms in HIEC cells and determined their roles in cell survival, as well as in the β1 integrin/Fak/Src-mediated suppression of anoikis. We report that: (1) the predominant PI3-K complexes expressed by HIEC cells are p110α/p85β and p110α/p55γ; (2) the inhibition and/or siRNA-mediated expression silencing of p110α, but not that of p110β, γ or δ, results in Akt-1 down-activation and consequent apoptosis; (3) the expression silencing of p85β or p55γ, but not that of p85α, likewise induces Akt-1 down-activation and apoptosis; however, the impact of a loss of p55γ on both Akt-1 activation and cell survival is significantly greater than that from the loss of p85β; and (4) both the p110α/p85β and p110α/p55γ complexes are engaged by β1 integrin/Fak/Src signaling; however, the engagement of p110α/p85β is primarily Src-dependent, whereas that of p110α/p55γ is primarily Fak-dependent (but Src-independent). Hence, HIEC cells selectively express PI3-K isoform complexes, translating into distinct roles in Akt-1 activation and cell survival, as well as in a selective engagement by Fak and/or Src within the context of β1 integrin/Fak/Src-mediated suppression of anoikis.
The beta(1) integrin, functioning as a mechanoreceptor, senses a mechanical stimulus generated during collagen matrix contraction and down-regulates the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt survival signal triggering apoptosis. The identities of integrin-associated signal molecules in the focal adhesion complex that are responsible for propagating beta(1) integrin viability signals in response to collagen matrix contraction are not known. Here we show that in response to collagen contraction focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is dephosphorylated. In contrast, enforced activation of beta(1) integrin by anti-beta(1) integrin antibody, which protects fibroblasts from apoptosis, preserves FAK phosphorylation. We demonstrate that ligation of beta(1) integrin by type I collagen or by enforced activation of beta(1) integrin by antibody promotes phosphorylation of FAK, p85 subunit of PI3K, and serine 473 of Akt. Wortmannin inhibited Akt but not FAK phosphorylation in response to enforced activation of beta(1) integrin by antibody. Blocking FAK by pharmacologic inhibition or by dominant negative FAK attenuated phosphorylation of p85 subunit of PI3K and Akt. Dominant negative FAK augmented fibroblast apoptosis during collagen contraction, and this was associated with diminished Akt activity. Constitutively active FAK augmented levels of p85 subunit of PI3K and Akt phosphorylation, and fibroblasts were protected from apoptosis. Our data identify a novel role for FAK, functioning upstream of PI3K/Akt, in transducing a beta(1) integrin viability signal in collagen matrices.
Recent studies suggest that one of the major pathways to the pathogenesis of autism is reduced cell migration. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) has an important role in neural migration, dendritic morphological characteristics, axonal branching, and synapse formation. The FAK-Src complex, activated by upstream reelin and integrin β1, can initiate a cascade of phosphorylation events to trigger multiple intracellular pathways, including mitogen-activated protein kinase-extracellular signal-regulated kinase and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-Akt signaling. In this study, by using B lymphoblasts as a model, we tested whether integrin β1 and FAK-Src signaling are abnormally regulated in autism and whether abnormal FAK-Src signaling leads to defects in B-lymphoblast adhesion, migration, proliferation, and IgG production. To our knowledge, for the first time, we show that protein expression levels of both integrin β1 and FAK are significantly decreased in autistic lymphoblasts and that Src protein expression and the phosphorylation of an active site (Y416) are also significantly decreased. We also found that lymphoblasts from autistic subjects exhibit significantly decreased migration, increased adhesion properties, and an impaired capacity for IgG production. The overexpression of FAK in autistic lymphoblasts countered the adhesion and migration defects. In addition, we demonstrate that FAK mediates its effect through the activation of Src, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-Akt, and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling cascades and that paxillin is also likely involved in the regulation of adhesion and migration in autistic lymphoblasts.
Any process that stops, prevents, or reduces the frequency, rate or extent of synapse assembly, the aggregation, arrangement and bonding together of a set of components to form a synapse.
A series of molecular events initiated by the binding of a netrin protein to a receptor on the surface of the target cell, and ending with regulation of a downstream cellular process, e.g. transcription. Netrins can act as chemoattractant signals for some cells and chemorepellent signals for others. Netrins also have roles outside of cell and axon guidance.
Netrins and their classical receptors--DCC and neogenin--play key roles in neuronal guidance. Recent developments identify new roles for netrins in epithelial and vascular morphogenesis. Netrins accomplish these effects, at least in part, through binding to integrins and/or activating integrin-associated kinases such as FAK and Fyn. Here we discuss these recent findings and propose that integrins and classical netrin receptors cooperate to regulate multiple aspects of development.
Interactions between receptor tyrosine kinases of the Eph family and their ligands, ephrins, are implicated in establishment of organ boundaries and repulsive guidance of cell migration during development, but the mechanisms by which this is achieved are unclear. Here we show that activation of endogenous EphA2 kinase induces an inactive conformation of integrins and inhibits cell spreading, migration and integrin-mediated adhesion. Moreover, EphA2 is constitutively associated with focal-adhesion kinase (FAK) in resting cells. Within one minute after stimulation of EphA2 with its ligand, ephrin-A1, the protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP2 is recruited to EphA2; this is followed by dephosphorylation of FAK and paxillin, and dissociation of the FAK-EphA2 complex. We conclude that Eph kinases mediate some of their functions by negatively regulating integrins and FAK.
Etk/BMX, a member of the Btk family of tyrosine kinases, is highly expressed in cells with great migratory potential, including endothelial cells and metastatic carcinoma cell lines. Here, we present evidence that Etk is involved in integrin signalling and promotes cell migration. The activation of Etk by extracellular matrix proteins is regulated by FAK through an interaction between the PH domain of Etk and the FERM domain of FAK. The lack of Etk activation by extracellular matrix in FAK-null cells could be restored by co-transfection with wild-type FAK. Disrupting the interaction between Etk and FAK diminished the cell migration promoted by either kinase. Furthermore, inhibiting Etk expression in metastatic carcinoma cell lines with an antisense oligonucleotide blocks integrin-mediated migration of these cells. Taken together, our data indicate the essential role of the interaction of the PH domain of Etk and the FERM domain of FAK in integrin signalling.
The process whose specific outcome is the progression of the placenta over time, from its formation to the mature structure. The placenta is an organ of metabolic interchange between fetus and mother, partly of embryonic origin and partly of maternal origin.
FAK is a tyrosine kinase enzyme demonstrated to play an important regulatory role in several basic cellular activities. Scientific evidence have suggested that FAK possessing a central position in the integrin signaling cascade, is responsible, at least in part, for the modulation of cellular proliferation, protection from apoptosis, adhesion, spreading and migration. The role of FAK in the development of different species, including human, is under study. Various published data supported the role of the molecule in the development of the placenta, as well as of several organ systems, like the musculoskeletal, nervous, cardiovascular, genitourinary and respiratory organ systems. Additionally, FAK has been shown to be implicated in the pathophysiology of pregnancy related disorders and congenital neonatal diseases and defects. The purpose of this article is a comprehensive review of the existing literature with a view to the future and the potential conclusions that can be drawn by the study of FAK signaling on the events of early life and species development.
Etk/BMX, a member of the Btk family of tyrosine kinases, is highly expressed in cells with great migratory potential, including endothelial cells and metastatic carcinoma cell lines. Here, we present evidence that Etk is involved in integrin signalling and promotes cell migration. The activation of Etk by extracellular matrix proteins is regulated by FAK through an interaction between the PH domain of Etk and the FERM domain of FAK. The lack of Etk activation by extracellular matrix in FAK-null cells could be restored by co-transfection with wild-type FAK. Disrupting the interaction between Etk and FAK diminished the cell migration promoted by either kinase. Furthermore, inhibiting Etk expression in metastatic carcinoma cell lines with an antisense oligonucleotide blocks integrin-mediated migration of these cells. Taken together, our data indicate the essential role of the interaction of the PH domain of Etk and the FERM domain of FAK in integrin signalling.
Recent studies suggest that one of the major pathways to the pathogenesis of autism is reduced cell migration. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) has an important role in neural migration, dendritic morphological characteristics, axonal branching, and synapse formation. The FAK-Src complex, activated by upstream reelin and integrin β1, can initiate a cascade of phosphorylation events to trigger multiple intracellular pathways, including mitogen-activated protein kinase-extracellular signal-regulated kinase and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-Akt signaling. In this study, by using B lymphoblasts as a model, we tested whether integrin β1 and FAK-Src signaling are abnormally regulated in autism and whether abnormal FAK-Src signaling leads to defects in B-lymphoblast adhesion, migration, proliferation, and IgG production. To our knowledge, for the first time, we show that protein expression levels of both integrin β1 and FAK are significantly decreased in autistic lymphoblasts and that Src protein expression and the phosphorylation of an active site (Y416) are also significantly decreased. We also found that lymphoblasts from autistic subjects exhibit significantly decreased migration, increased adhesion properties, and an impaired capacity for IgG production. The overexpression of FAK in autistic lymphoblasts countered the adhesion and migration defects. In addition, we demonstrate that FAK mediates its effect through the activation of Src, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-Akt, and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling cascades and that paxillin is also likely involved in the regulation of adhesion and migration in autistic lymphoblasts.
Netrins and their classical receptors--DCC and neogenin--play key roles in neuronal guidance. Recent developments identify new roles for netrins in epithelial and vascular morphogenesis. Netrins accomplish these effects, at least in part, through binding to integrins and/or activating integrin-associated kinases such as FAK and Fyn. Here we discuss these recent findings and propose that integrins and classical netrin receptors cooperate to regulate multiple aspects of development.
The beta(1) integrin, functioning as a mechanoreceptor, senses a mechanical stimulus generated during collagen matrix contraction and down-regulates the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt survival signal triggering apoptosis. The identities of integrin-associated signal molecules in the focal adhesion complex that are responsible for propagating beta(1) integrin viability signals in response to collagen matrix contraction are not known. Here we show that in response to collagen contraction focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is dephosphorylated. In contrast, enforced activation of beta(1) integrin by anti-beta(1) integrin antibody, which protects fibroblasts from apoptosis, preserves FAK phosphorylation. We demonstrate that ligation of beta(1) integrin by type I collagen or by enforced activation of beta(1) integrin by antibody promotes phosphorylation of FAK, p85 subunit of PI3K, and serine 473 of Akt. Wortmannin inhibited Akt but not FAK phosphorylation in response to enforced activation of beta(1) integrin by antibody. Blocking FAK by pharmacologic inhibition or by dominant negative FAK attenuated phosphorylation of p85 subunit of PI3K and Akt. Dominant negative FAK augmented fibroblast apoptosis during collagen contraction, and this was associated with diminished Akt activity. Constitutively active FAK augmented levels of p85 subunit of PI3K and Akt phosphorylation, and fibroblasts were protected from apoptosis. Our data identify a novel role for FAK, functioning upstream of PI3K/Akt, in transducing a beta(1) integrin viability signal in collagen matrices.
Etk/BMX, a member of the Btk family of tyrosine kinases, is highly expressed in cells with great migratory potential, including endothelial cells and metastatic carcinoma cell lines. Here, we present evidence that Etk is involved in integrin signalling and promotes cell migration. The activation of Etk by extracellular matrix proteins is regulated by FAK through an interaction between the PH domain of Etk and the FERM domain of FAK. The lack of Etk activation by extracellular matrix in FAK-null cells could be restored by co-transfection with wild-type FAK. Disrupting the interaction between Etk and FAK diminished the cell migration promoted by either kinase. Furthermore, inhibiting Etk expression in metastatic carcinoma cell lines with an antisense oligonucleotide blocks integrin-mediated migration of these cells. Taken together, our data indicate the essential role of the interaction of the PH domain of Etk and the FERM domain of FAK in integrin signalling.
Any process that activates or increases the frequency, rate or extent of the protein kinase B signaling cascade, a series of reactions mediated by the intracellular serine/threonine kinase protein kinase B.
Evidence
1:
Inferred from Mutant PhenotypeUniProtKB
The beta(1) integrin, functioning as a mechanoreceptor, senses a mechanical stimulus generated during collagen matrix contraction and down-regulates the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt survival signal triggering apoptosis. The identities of integrin-associated signal molecules in the focal adhesion complex that are responsible for propagating beta(1) integrin viability signals in response to collagen matrix contraction are not known. Here we show that in response to collagen contraction focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is dephosphorylated. In contrast, enforced activation of beta(1) integrin by anti-beta(1) integrin antibody, which protects fibroblasts from apoptosis, preserves FAK phosphorylation. We demonstrate that ligation of beta(1) integrin by type I collagen or by enforced activation of beta(1) integrin by antibody promotes phosphorylation of FAK, p85 subunit of PI3K, and serine 473 of Akt. Wortmannin inhibited Akt but not FAK phosphorylation in response to enforced activation of beta(1) integrin by antibody. Blocking FAK by pharmacologic inhibition or by dominant negative FAK attenuated phosphorylation of p85 subunit of PI3K and Akt. Dominant negative FAK augmented fibroblast apoptosis during collagen contraction, and this was associated with diminished Akt activity. Constitutively active FAK augmented levels of p85 subunit of PI3K and Akt phosphorylation, and fibroblasts were protected from apoptosis. Our data identify a novel role for FAK, functioning upstream of PI3K/Akt, in transducing a beta(1) integrin viability signal in collagen matrices.
The beta(1) integrin, functioning as a mechanoreceptor, senses a mechanical stimulus generated during collagen matrix contraction and down-regulates the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt survival signal triggering apoptosis. The identities of integrin-associated signal molecules in the focal adhesion complex that are responsible for propagating beta(1) integrin viability signals in response to collagen matrix contraction are not known. Here we show that in response to collagen contraction focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is dephosphorylated. In contrast, enforced activation of beta(1) integrin by anti-beta(1) integrin antibody, which protects fibroblasts from apoptosis, preserves FAK phosphorylation. We demonstrate that ligation of beta(1) integrin by type I collagen or by enforced activation of beta(1) integrin by antibody promotes phosphorylation of FAK, p85 subunit of PI3K, and serine 473 of Akt. Wortmannin inhibited Akt but not FAK phosphorylation in response to enforced activation of beta(1) integrin by antibody. Blocking FAK by pharmacologic inhibition or by dominant negative FAK attenuated phosphorylation of p85 subunit of PI3K and Akt. Dominant negative FAK augmented fibroblast apoptosis during collagen contraction, and this was associated with diminished Akt activity. Constitutively active FAK augmented levels of p85 subunit of PI3K and Akt phosphorylation, and fibroblasts were protected from apoptosis. Our data identify a novel role for FAK, functioning upstream of PI3K/Akt, in transducing a beta(1) integrin viability signal in collagen matrices.
Positive regulation of protein ubiquitination involved in ubiquitin-dependent protein catabolic processdefinition[GO:2000060]
Any process that activates or increases the frequency, rate or extent of protein ubiquitination involved in ubiquitin-dependent protein catabolic process.
Any process that activates or increases the frequency, rate or extent of synaptic transmission, the process of communication from a neuron to a target (neuron, muscle, or secretory cell) across a synapse.
Interactions between receptor tyrosine kinases of the Eph family and their ligands, ephrins, are implicated in establishment of organ boundaries and repulsive guidance of cell migration during development, but the mechanisms by which this is achieved are unclear. Here we show that activation of endogenous EphA2 kinase induces an inactive conformation of integrins and inhibits cell spreading, migration and integrin-mediated adhesion. Moreover, EphA2 is constitutively associated with focal-adhesion kinase (FAK) in resting cells. Within one minute after stimulation of EphA2 with its ligand, ephrin-A1, the protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP2 is recruited to EphA2; this is followed by dephosphorylation of FAK and paxillin, and dissociation of the FAK-EphA2 complex. We conclude that Eph kinases mediate some of their functions by negatively regulating integrins and FAK.
Etk/BMX, a member of the Btk family of tyrosine kinases, is highly expressed in cells with great migratory potential, including endothelial cells and metastatic carcinoma cell lines. Here, we present evidence that Etk is involved in integrin signalling and promotes cell migration. The activation of Etk by extracellular matrix proteins is regulated by FAK through an interaction between the PH domain of Etk and the FERM domain of FAK. The lack of Etk activation by extracellular matrix in FAK-null cells could be restored by co-transfection with wild-type FAK. Disrupting the interaction between Etk and FAK diminished the cell migration promoted by either kinase. Furthermore, inhibiting Etk expression in metastatic carcinoma cell lines with an antisense oligonucleotide blocks integrin-mediated migration of these cells. Taken together, our data indicate the essential role of the interaction of the PH domain of Etk and the FERM domain of FAK in integrin signalling.
Interactions between receptor tyrosine kinases of the Eph family and their ligands, ephrins, are implicated in establishment of organ boundaries and repulsive guidance of cell migration during development, but the mechanisms by which this is achieved are unclear. Here we show that activation of endogenous EphA2 kinase induces an inactive conformation of integrins and inhibits cell spreading, migration and integrin-mediated adhesion. Moreover, EphA2 is constitutively associated with focal-adhesion kinase (FAK) in resting cells. Within one minute after stimulation of EphA2 with its ligand, ephrin-A1, the protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP2 is recruited to EphA2; this is followed by dephosphorylation of FAK and paxillin, and dissociation of the FAK-EphA2 complex. We conclude that Eph kinases mediate some of their functions by negatively regulating integrins and FAK.
FAK is known as an integrin- and growth factor-associated tyrosine kinase promoting cell motility. Here we show that, during mouse development, FAK inactivation results in p53- and p21-dependent mesodermal cell growth arrest. Reconstitution of primary FAK-/-p21-/- fibroblasts revealed that FAK, in a kinase-independent manner, facilitates p53 turnover via enhanced Mdm2-dependent p53 ubiquitination. p53 inactivation by FAK required FAK FERM F1 lobe binding to p53, FERM F2 lobe-mediated nuclear localization, and FERM F3 lobe for connections to Mdm2 and proteasomal degradation. Staurosporine or loss of cell adhesion enhanced FERM-dependent FAK nuclear accumulation. In primary human cells, FAK knockdown raised p53-p21 levels and slowed cell proliferation but did not cause apoptosis. Notably, FAK knockdown plus cisplatin triggered p53-dependent cell apoptosis, which was rescued by either full-length FAK or FAK FERM re-expression. These studies define a scaffolding role for nuclear FAK in facilitating cell survival through enhanced p53 degradation under conditions of cellular stress.
Interactions between receptor tyrosine kinases of the Eph family and their ligands, ephrins, are implicated in establishment of organ boundaries and repulsive guidance of cell migration during development, but the mechanisms by which this is achieved are unclear. Here we show that activation of endogenous EphA2 kinase induces an inactive conformation of integrins and inhibits cell spreading, migration and integrin-mediated adhesion. Moreover, EphA2 is constitutively associated with focal-adhesion kinase (FAK) in resting cells. Within one minute after stimulation of EphA2 with its ligand, ephrin-A1, the protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP2 is recruited to EphA2; this is followed by dephosphorylation of FAK and paxillin, and dissociation of the FAK-EphA2 complex. We conclude that Eph kinases mediate some of their functions by negatively regulating integrins and FAK.
Evidence
2:
Inferred from Mutant PhenotypeUniProtKB
The beta(1) integrin, functioning as a mechanoreceptor, senses a mechanical stimulus generated during collagen matrix contraction and down-regulates the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt survival signal triggering apoptosis. The identities of integrin-associated signal molecules in the focal adhesion complex that are responsible for propagating beta(1) integrin viability signals in response to collagen matrix contraction are not known. Here we show that in response to collagen contraction focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is dephosphorylated. In contrast, enforced activation of beta(1) integrin by anti-beta(1) integrin antibody, which protects fibroblasts from apoptosis, preserves FAK phosphorylation. We demonstrate that ligation of beta(1) integrin by type I collagen or by enforced activation of beta(1) integrin by antibody promotes phosphorylation of FAK, p85 subunit of PI3K, and serine 473 of Akt. Wortmannin inhibited Akt but not FAK phosphorylation in response to enforced activation of beta(1) integrin by antibody. Blocking FAK by pharmacologic inhibition or by dominant negative FAK attenuated phosphorylation of p85 subunit of PI3K and Akt. Dominant negative FAK augmented fibroblast apoptosis during collagen contraction, and this was associated with diminished Akt activity. Constitutively active FAK augmented levels of p85 subunit of PI3K and Akt phosphorylation, and fibroblasts were protected from apoptosis. Our data identify a novel role for FAK, functioning upstream of PI3K/Akt, in transducing a beta(1) integrin viability signal in collagen matrices.
Any process that modulates the frequency, rate or extent of the formation, arrangement of constituent parts, or disassembly of cytoskeletal structures.
Netrins and their classical receptors--DCC and neogenin--play key roles in neuronal guidance. Recent developments identify new roles for netrins in epithelial and vascular morphogenesis. Netrins accomplish these effects, at least in part, through binding to integrins and/or activating integrin-associated kinases such as FAK and Fyn. Here we discuss these recent findings and propose that integrins and classical netrin receptors cooperate to regulate multiple aspects of development.
Any process that modulates the rate, frequency, or extent of the orderly movement of an endothelial cell into the extracellular matrix to form an endothelium.
FAK is a tyrosine kinase enzyme demonstrated to play an important regulatory role in several basic cellular activities. Scientific evidence have suggested that FAK possessing a central position in the integrin signaling cascade, is responsible, at least in part, for the modulation of cellular proliferation, protection from apoptosis, adhesion, spreading and migration. The role of FAK in the development of different species, including human, is under study. Various published data supported the role of the molecule in the development of the placenta, as well as of several organ systems, like the musculoskeletal, nervous, cardiovascular, genitourinary and respiratory organ systems. Additionally, FAK has been shown to be implicated in the pathophysiology of pregnancy related disorders and congenital neonatal diseases and defects. The purpose of this article is a comprehensive review of the existing literature with a view to the future and the potential conclusions that can be drawn by the study of FAK signaling on the events of early life and species development.
Focal adhesion (FA) kinase (FAK) is a cytoplasmic protein-tyrosine kinase involved in cytoskeleton remodeling, formation and disassembly of cell adhesion structures, and in the regulation of Rho-family GTPases. Therefore, FAK is widely accepted as an important promoter of directional cell movement. Recent studies have elucidated new molecular connections of FAK in these processes. Specifically, FAK facilitates the localized and cyclic activation of guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) and GTPases-activating proteins (GAPs). In general, GEFs activate, while GAPs inactivate RhoGTPases. Therefore, FAK is in a unique signaling position to modulate RhoGTPase activity in space and time, thereby affecting various steps (integrin activation, leading edge formation, FA turnover, and trailing edge retraction) needed for efficient directional cell migration.
Integrins can alter cellular behavior through the recruitment and activation of signaling proteins such as non-receptor tyrosine kinases including focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and c-Src that form a dual kinase complex. The FAK-Src complex binds to and can phosphorylate various adaptor proteins such as p130Cas and paxillin. In normal cells, multiple integrin-regulated linkages exist to activate FAK or Src. Activated FAK-Src functions to promote cell motility, cell cycle progression and cell survival. Recent studies have found that the FAK-Src complex is activated in many tumor cells and generates signals leading to tumor growth and metastasis. As both FAK and Src catalytic activities are important in promoting VEGF-associated tumor angiogenesis and protease-associated tumor metastasis, support is growing that FAK and Src may be therapeutically relevant targets in the inhibition of tumor progression.
Human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) differentiation into osteoblasts and the signaling events involved are poorly understood. We recently established that contact with specific extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, in particular laminin-5, is sufficient to induce an osteogenic phenotype in hMSC through an extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK)-dependent pathway. Activation of ERK 1/2 by laminin-5 induces phosphorylation of the runx2/cbfa-1 transcription factor that controls osteogenic gene expression. We hypothesized that focal adhesion kinase (FAK) mediated signaling pathways supply a link between cell surface integrin-ECM binding and activation of ERK 1/2, and that laminin-5 promotes its osteogenic effects through this pathway. To test this hypothesis, we plated hMSC on a laminin-5 matrix in the presence or absence of FAK-specific small inhibitory RNAs (siRNA), and assayed for phosphorylation of runx2/cbfa-1 as well as expression of established osteogenic differentiation markers (bone sialoprotein, osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase, calcium deposition, and mineral:matrix ratio). We found that siRNA treatment reduced total endogenous FAK protein by approximately 40%, and reduced FAK phosphorylation on Y397 by approximately 33% in cells plated on laminin-5 for 30 min. SiRNA treated cells exhibited a decrease in ERK 1/2 phosphorylation after 1 h, and reduced serine/threonine phosphorylation of Runx2/Cbfa-1 after 8 days. Finally, FAK inhibition blocked osteogenic differentiation of hMSC, as assessed by lowered expression of osteogenic genes (RT-PCR), decreased alkaline phosphatase activity, greatly reduced calcium deposition, and a lower mineral:matrix ratio after 28 days in culture. These results establish FAK as an important mediator of laminin-5-induced osteogenic differentiation of hMSC.
Focal adhesion (FA) kinase (FAK) is a cytoplasmic protein-tyrosine kinase involved in cytoskeleton remodeling, formation and disassembly of cell adhesion structures, and in the regulation of Rho-family GTPases. Therefore, FAK is widely accepted as an important promoter of directional cell movement. Recent studies have elucidated new molecular connections of FAK in these processes. Specifically, FAK facilitates the localized and cyclic activation of guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) and GTPases-activating proteins (GAPs). In general, GEFs activate, while GAPs inactivate RhoGTPases. Therefore, FAK is in a unique signaling position to modulate RhoGTPase activity in space and time, thereby affecting various steps (integrin activation, leading edge formation, FA turnover, and trailing edge retraction) needed for efficient directional cell migration.
Any process that results in a change in state or activity of a cell or an organism (in terms of movement, secretion, enzyme production, gene expression, etc.) as a result of an arsenic stimulus from compounds containing arsenic, including arsenates, arsenites, and arsenides.
Any process that results in a change in state or activity of a cell or an organism (in terms of movement, secretion, enzyme production, gene expression, etc.) as a result of a drug stimulus. A drug is a substance used in the diagnosis, treatment or prevention of a disease.
Any process that results in a change in state or activity of a cell or an organism (in terms of movement, secretion, enzyme production, gene expression, etc.) as a result of stimulus by estradiol, a C18 steroid hormone hydroxylated at C3 and C17 that acts as a potent estrogen.
Any process that results in a change in state or activity of a cell or an organism (in terms of movement, secretion, enzyme production, gene expression, etc.) as a result of a glucose stimulus.
Any process that results in a change in state or activity of a cell or an organism (in terms of movement, secretion, enzyme production, gene expression, etc.) as a result of a mechanical stimulus.
Cancer cells are characterized by the ability to grow in an anchorage-independent manner. The activity of the nonreceptor tyrosine kinase, focal adhesion kinase (FAK), is thought to contribute to this phenotype. FAK localizes in focal adhesion plaques and has a role as a scaffolding and signaling protein for other adhesion molecules. Recent studies show a strong correlation between increased FAK expression and phosphorylation status and the invasive phenotype of aggressive human tumors. PF-562,271 is a potent, ATP-competitive, reversible inhibitor of FAK and Pyk2 catalytic activity with a IC(50) of 1.5 and 14 nmol/L, respectively. Additionally, PF-562,271 displayed robust inhibition in an inducible cell-based assay measuring phospho-FAK with an IC(50) of 5 nmol/L. PF-562,271 was evaluated against multiple kinases and displays >100x selectivity against a long list of nontarget kinases. PF-562,271 inhibits FAK phosphorylation in vivo in a dose-dependent fashion (calculated EC(50) of 93 ng/mL, total) after p.o. administration to tumor-bearing mice. In vivo inhibition of FAK phosphorylation (>50%) was sustained for >4 hours with a single p.o. dose of 33 mg/kg. Antitumor efficacy and regressions were observed in multiple human s.c. xenograft models. No weight loss, morbidity, or mortality were observed in any in vivo experiment. Tumor growth inhibition was dose and drug exposure dependent. Taken together, these data show that kinase inhibition with an ATP-competitive small molecule inhibitor of FAK decreases the phospho-status in vivo, resulting in robust antitumor activity.
Etk/BMX, a member of the Btk family of tyrosine kinases, is highly expressed in cells with great migratory potential, including endothelial cells and metastatic carcinoma cell lines. Here, we present evidence that Etk is involved in integrin signalling and promotes cell migration. The activation of Etk by extracellular matrix proteins is regulated by FAK through an interaction between the PH domain of Etk and the FERM domain of FAK. The lack of Etk activation by extracellular matrix in FAK-null cells could be restored by co-transfection with wild-type FAK. Disrupting the interaction between Etk and FAK diminished the cell migration promoted by either kinase. Furthermore, inhibiting Etk expression in metastatic carcinoma cell lines with an antisense oligonucleotide blocks integrin-mediated migration of these cells. Taken together, our data indicate the essential role of the interaction of the PH domain of Etk and the FERM domain of FAK in integrin signalling.
Interactions between receptor tyrosine kinases of the Eph family and their ligands, ephrins, are implicated in establishment of organ boundaries and repulsive guidance of cell migration during development, but the mechanisms by which this is achieved are unclear. Here we show that activation of endogenous EphA2 kinase induces an inactive conformation of integrins and inhibits cell spreading, migration and integrin-mediated adhesion. Moreover, EphA2 is constitutively associated with focal-adhesion kinase (FAK) in resting cells. Within one minute after stimulation of EphA2 with its ligand, ephrin-A1, the protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP2 is recruited to EphA2; this is followed by dephosphorylation of FAK and paxillin, and dissociation of the FAK-EphA2 complex. We conclude that Eph kinases mediate some of their functions by negatively regulating integrins and FAK.
Subject to autoinhibition, mediated by interactions between the FERM domain and the kinase domain. Activated by autophosphorylation at Tyr-397. This promotes interaction with SRC and phosphorylation at Tyr-576 and Tyr-577 in the kinase activation loop. Phosphorylation at Tyr-576 and Tyr-577 is required for maximal kinase activity. Inhibited by TAC544, TAE226, PF-573,228 and PF-562,271.
Integrins are transmembrane receptors that bind to extracellular matrix proteins and convey anchorage-dependent signals regulating normal cell proliferation. Integrin signals within the tumor micro-environment also impact cancer cell survival and invasion during tumor progression. These integrin-associated signaling events are transduced in part through the activation of non-receptor protein-tyrosine kinases. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is activated by beta-subunit integrins in both normal and transformed cells. As genetic inactivation of beta1 integrin or FAK yield early embryonic lethal phenotypes associated with decreased cell proliferation, and dominant-negative inhibition of FAK can cause increased cell apoptosis, there is a concern that FAK inhibition may have cytotoxic effects on cell growth or survival. However, FAK-specific small molecule inhibitors do not directly impact cell growth in culture, but yet show potent anti-tumor growth effects in vivo. Additionally, recent studies have shed new insight into the FAK kinase-independent regulation of cell proliferation and survival mediated by the FAK N-terminal FERM (band 4.1, ezrin, radixin, moesin homology) domain. Herein, we review the role of the FAK FERM domain in both the intrinsic regulation of FAK kinase activity and how FERM-mediated nuclear localization of FAK promotes enhanced cell survival through the inhibition of tumor suppressor p53 activation during development and under conditions of cellular stress. As we find that FAK FERM-mediated regulation of p53 occurs in human carcinoma cells, elevated FAK expression in tumors may promote both kinase-dependent and -independent survival mechanisms. We discuss how the pharmacological inhibition of FAK kinase activity may impact tumor progression through combined effects of blocking both tumor- and stromal-associated signaling regulating neo-vascularization.
Multiple genetic aberrations in human gliomas contribute to their highly infiltrative and rapid growth characteristics. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) regulates tumor migration and invasion. Insulin-like growth factor-I receptor (IGF-IR), whose expression correlates with tumor grade, is involved in proliferation and survival. We hypothesized that inhibiting the phosphorylation of FAK and IGF-IR by NVP-TAE226 (hereafter called TAE226), a novel dual tyrosine kinase inhibitor of FAK and IGF-IR, would suppress the growth and invasion of glioma cells. In culture, TAE226 inhibited extracellular matrix-induced autophosphorylation of FAK (Tyr(397)). TAE226 also inhibited IGF-I-induced phosphorylation of IGF-IR and activity of its downstream target genes such as MAPK and Akt. TAE226 retarded tumor cell growth as assessed by a cell viability assay and attenuated G(2)-M cell cycle progression associated with a decrease in cyclin B1 and phosphorylated cdc2 (Tyr(15)) protein expression. TAE226 treatment inhibited tumor cell invasion by at least 50% compared with the control in an in vitro Matrigel invasion assay. Interestingly, TAE226 treatment of tumor cells containing wild-type p53 mainly exhibited G(2)-M arrest, whereas tumor cells bearing mutant p53 underwent apoptosis. Induction of apoptosis by TAE226 was substantiated by detection of caspase-3/7 activation and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage and by an Annexin V apoptosis assay. More importantly, TAE226 treatment significantly increased the survival rate of animals in an intracranial glioma xenograft model. Collectively, these data show that blocking the signaling pathways of FAK and IGF-IR with TAE226 has the potential to be an efficacious treatment for human gliomas.
Interactions between receptor tyrosine kinases of the Eph family and their ligands, ephrins, are implicated in establishment of organ boundaries and repulsive guidance of cell migration during development, but the mechanisms by which this is achieved are unclear. Here we show that activation of endogenous EphA2 kinase induces an inactive conformation of integrins and inhibits cell spreading, migration and integrin-mediated adhesion. Moreover, EphA2 is constitutively associated with focal-adhesion kinase (FAK) in resting cells. Within one minute after stimulation of EphA2 with its ligand, ephrin-A1, the protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP2 is recruited to EphA2; this is followed by dephosphorylation of FAK and paxillin, and dissociation of the FAK-EphA2 complex. We conclude that Eph kinases mediate some of their functions by negatively regulating integrins and FAK.
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) overexpression is frequently found in ovarian and other cancers and is predictive of poor clinical outcome. In the current study, we characterized the biological and therapeutic effects of a novel FAK inhibitor, TAE226. Taxane-sensitive (SKOV3ip1 and HeyA8) and taxane-resistant (HeyA8-MDR) cell lines were used for in vitro and in vivo therapy experiments using TAE226 alone and in combination with docetaxel. Assessment of cytotoxicity, cell proliferation [proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)], angiogenesis (CD31), and apoptosis (terminal nucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick end labeling) were done by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. In vitro, TAE226 inhibited the phosphorylation of FAK at both Y397 and Y861 sites, inhibited cell growth in a time- and dose-dependent manner, and enhanced docetaxel-mediated growth inhibition by 10- and 20-fold in the taxane-sensitive and taxane-resistant cell lines, respectively. In vivo, FAK inhibition by TAE226 significantly reduced tumor burden in the HeyA8, SKOV3ip1, and HeyA8-MDR models (46-64%) compared with vehicle-treated controls. However, the greatest efficacy was observed with concomitant administration of TAE226 and docetaxel in all three models (85-97% reduction, all P values <0.01). In addition, TAE226 alone and in combination with chemotherapy significantly prolonged survival in tumor-bearing mice. Even in larger tumors, combination therapy with TAE226 and docetaxel resulted in tumor regression. The therapeutic efficacy was related to reduced pericyte coverage, induction of apoptosis of tumor-associated endothelial cells, and reduced microvessel density and tumor cell proliferation. The novel FAK inhibitor, TAE226, offers an attractive therapeutic approach in ovarian carcinoma.
Cancer Biol. Ther. 10, 38-43 (2010)[PubMed:20495381]
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is essential in regulating integrin signaling pathways responsible for cell survival and proliferation, as well as motility, making FAK a distinctive target in the field of anticancer drug development, especially with regards to metastatic disease.(1) Our objective was to demonstrate tumor growth inhibition by PF-562,271, a selective inhibitor of FAK and FAK2, or Pyk2,(2) in mouse xenograft models, both subcutaneous and metastatic, employing the human prostate cancer cell line PC3M-luc-C6, a modified PC3M cell line that expresses luciferase. After 2 weeks of treatment with PF-562,271, 25 mg/kg PO BID 5x/wk, the subcutaneous model showed a 62% tumor growth inhibition compared to control based on tumor measurements (p < 0.05), with a 88% vs. a 490% increase in bioluminescent signal for treatment and control respectively (p < 0.05). In the metastasis model, the percent change from baseline, after 18 days of treatment, of the treatment group was 2,854 vs. 14,190% for the vehicle (p < 0.01). These results show that PF-562,271 has a potent effect on metastatic prostate cancer growth in vivo.
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a member of a family of non-receptor protein-tyrosine kinases that regulates integrin and growth factor signaling pathways involved in cell migration, proliferation, and survival. FAK expression is increased in many cancers, including breast and prostate cancer. Here we describe perturbation of adhesion-mediated signaling with a FAK inhibitor, PF-573,228. In vitro, this compound inhibited purified recombinant catalytic fragment of FAK with an IC(50) of 4 nM. In cultured cells, PF-573,228 inhibited FAK phosphorylation on Tyr(397) with an IC(50) of 30-100 nM. Treatment of cells with concentrations of PF-573,228 that significantly decreased FAK Tyr(397) phosphorylation failed to inhibit cell growth or induce apoptosis. In contrast, treatment with PF-573,228 inhibited both chemotactic and haptotactic migration concomitant with the inhibition of focal adhesion turnover. These studies show that PF-573,228 serves as a useful tool to dissect the functions of FAK in integrin-dependent signaling pathways in normal and cancer cells and forms the basis for the generation of compounds amenable for preclinical and patient trials.
Protein involved in angiogenesis, the sprouting or splitting of capillaries from pre-existing vasculature. Angiogenesis plays an important role for example during embryonic development, normal growth of tissues and maintenance of the normal vasculature, wound healing, tumor growth and metastasis.
Protein involved in development, the process whereby a multicellular organism develops from its early immature forms, e.g., zygote, larva, embryo, into an adult.
Enzyme which catalyzes the transfer of the terminal phosphate of ATP to a specific tyrosine residue on its target protein. Many of these kinases play significant roles in development and cell division. Tyrosine-protein kinases can be divided into two subfamilies: receptor tyrosine kinases, which have an intracellular tyrosine kinase domain, a transmembrane domain and an extracellular ligand-binding domain; and non-receptor (cytoplasmic) tyrosine kinases, which are soluble, cytoplasmic kinases.
A reference proteome is a set of protein sequences derived from a complete proteome which constitutes a defined standard for a particular user community. Reference proteomes are manually defined according to a number of criteria. They cover the proteomes of well- studied model organisms and other proteomes of interest for biomedical and biotechnological research. Reference proteomes have been selected to provide broad coverage of the tree of life, and constitute a representative cross-section of the taxonomic diversity to be found within UniProtKB.
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