FAK is required for tension-dependent organization of collective cell movements in Xenopus mesendoderm.

ABSTRACT: Collective cell movements are integral to biological processes such as embryonic development and wound healing and also have a prominent role in some metastatic cancers. In migrating Xenopus mesendoderm, traction forces are generated by cells through integrin-based adhesions and tension transmitted across cadherin adhesions. This is accompanied by assembly of a mechanoresponsive cadherin adhesion complex containing keratin intermediate filaments and the catenin-family member plakoglobin. We demonstrate that focal adhesion kinase (FAK), a major component of integrin adhesion complexes, is required for normal morphogenesis at gastrulation, closure of the anterior neural tube, axial elongation and somitogenesis. Depletion of zygotically expressed FAK results in disruption of mesendoderm tissu

SUBMITTER: Bjerke MA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4172504 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature