Cellular functions of FAK kinases: insight into molecular mechanisms and novel functions

MD Schaller - Journal of cell science, 2010 - journals.biologists.com
MD Schaller
Journal of cell science, 2010journals.biologists.com
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 (Pyk2) are related tyrosine
kinases that have important cellular functions, primarily through regulation of the
cytoskeleton. Recent studies have identified multiple molecular mechanisms that regulate
cytoskeletal responses, and have provided important and exciting insights into how FAK and
Pyk2 control cellular processes such as cell migration. Equally exciting are reports of novel
and originally unanticipated functions of these kinases, providing the groundwork for future …
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 (Pyk2) are related tyrosine kinases that have important cellular functions, primarily through regulation of the cytoskeleton. Recent studies have identified multiple molecular mechanisms that regulate cytoskeletal responses, and have provided important and exciting insights into how FAK and Pyk2 control cellular processes such as cell migration. Equally exciting are reports of novel and originally unanticipated functions of these kinases, providing the groundwork for future avenues of investigation. This Commentary summarizes some of these recent discoveries that are relevant to the control of biological responses of the cell.
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