PKCθ-mediated serine/threonine phosphorylations of FAK govern adhesion and protrusion dynamics within the lamellipodia of migrating breast cancer cells.

ABSTRACT: The cytoskeleton and cell-matrix adhesions constitute a dynamic network that controls cellular behavior during development and cancer. The Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) is a central actor of these cell dynamics, promoting cell-matrix adhesion turnover and active membrane fluctuations. However, the initial steps leading to FAK activation and subsequent promotion of cell dynamics remain elusive. Here, we report that the serine/threonine kinase PKCθ participates in the initial steps of FAK activation. PKCθ, which is strongly expressed in aggressive human breast cancers, controls the dynamics of cell-matrix adhesions and active protrusions through direct FAK activation, thereby promoting cell invasion and lung metastases. Using various tools for in vitro and live cell studies, we precisely decip

SUBMITTER: Chadelle L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9019305 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature