Focal adhesion kinase is important for fluid shear stress-induced mechanotransduction in osteoblasts.

ABSTRACT: Mechanical loading of bone is important for maintenance of bone mass and structural stability of the skeleton. When bone is mechanically loaded, movement of fluid within the spaces surrounding bone cells generates fluid shear stress (FSS) that stimulates osteoblasts, resulting in enhanced anabolic activity. The mechanisms by which osteoblasts convert the external stimulation of FSS into biochemical changes, a process known as mechanotransduction, remain poorly understood. Focal adhesions are prime candidates for transducing external stimuli. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK), a nonreceptor tyrosine kinase found in focal adhesions, may play a key role in mechanotransduction, although its function has not been directly examined in osteoblasts. We examined the role of FAK in osteoblast mechanotrans

SUBMITTER: Young SR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2659520 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature