The focal adhesion kinase FAK, but not PYK2, plays a central role for growth factor signaling in HepG2-hepatoma cells

BKG: The structurally related focal adhesion kinases FAK and PYK2 are involved in key signal transduction pathways in normal and malignant tissues. In spite of their structural homology, they have distinct roles in key cellular events such as cell adhesion, regulation of the cell cycle and apoptosis. In contrast to PYK2, FAK promotes cell-survival and proliferation. Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most common cancers. There is rising evidence for FAK to be implicated in hepatic malignancies. AIM: To study the expression of focal adhesion kinases, their activation by growth factors (GF) and their involveme…