Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) expression and activation during lens development.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Regulation of lens development involves an intricate interplay between growth factor (e.g. FGF and TGFbeta) and extracellular matrix (ECM) signaling pathways. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase that plays key roles in transmitting ECM signals by integrins. In this study, we delineated patterns of FAK expression and tyrosine phosphorylation (Y397) in the developing lens and investigated its regulation by FGF2. We also examined FAK expression and activation during disrupted fiber differentiation in mice expressing a dominant-negative TGFbeta receptor.

Methods

FAK expression and activation (phosphorylation on Y397) was studied in embryonic and postnatal rodent lenses by in situ hybridization, immunofluorescence, and western blotting. Rat lens e

SUBMITTER: Kokkinos MI 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2642935 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature