Abstract

Multi-platform Microarray Analysis for Interrogating FAK Function in Cancer

Bryan Serrels, Postdoctoral Research Scientist, University of Edinburgh

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a non-receptor protein tyrosine kinase activated downstream of integrin and growth factor receptor signalling. Elevated FAK expression has been reported in many tumour types, including breast and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Functionally, FAK acts to control a great diversity of cellular processes implicated in cancer development and progression, including migration, invasion, proliferation and survival. Thus FAK is likely to be functionally important in most solid epithelial cancers, and play a multi-faceted role in promoting tumour development and metastatic dissemination. For many years FAK localisation within the cell was thought to be restricted to discrete adhesion structures termed ‘Focal Adhesions’ (FAs). However, recently it has become evident that FAK is in fact also trafficked and localised to the nucleus where its functional role remains largely unknown.