FAK in cancer: mechanistic findings and clinical applications

FJ Sulzmaier, C Jean, DD Schlaepfer - Nature reviews cancer, 2014 - nature.com
FJ Sulzmaier, C Jean, DD Schlaepfer
Nature reviews cancer, 2014nature.com
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a cytoplasmic protein tyrosine kinase that is overexpressed
and activated in several advanced-stage solid cancers. FAK promotes tumour progression
and metastasis through effects on cancer cells, as well as stromal cells of the tumour
microenvironment. The kinase-dependent and kinase-independent functions of FAK control
cell movement, invasion, survival, gene expression and cancer stem cell self-renewal. Small
molecule FAK inhibitors decrease tumour growth and metastasis in several preclinical …
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a cytoplasmic protein tyrosine kinase that is overexpressed and activated in several advanced-stage solid cancers. FAK promotes tumour progression and metastasis through effects on cancer cells, as well as stromal cells of the tumour microenvironment. The kinase-dependent and kinase-independent functions of FAK control cell movement, invasion, survival, gene expression and cancer stem cell self-renewal. Small molecule FAK inhibitors decrease tumour growth and metastasis in several preclinical models and have initial clinical activity in patients with limited adverse events. In this Review, we discuss FAK signalling effects on both tumour and stromal cell biology that provide rationale and support for future therapeutic opportunities.
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