Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) expression and activation during lens development

Abstract

Purpose: Regulation of lens development involves an intricate interplay between growth factor (e.g. FGF and TGFβ) and extracellular matrix (ECM) signaling pathways. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase that plays key roles in transmitting ECM signals by integrins. In this study, we delineated patterns of FAK expression and tyrosine phosphorylation (Y397) in the developing lens and investigated its regulation by FGF2. We also examined FAK expression and activation during disrupted fiber differentiation in mice expressing a dominant-negative TGFβ receptor. Methods: FAK expression and activation (phosphorylation on Y397) was studied in embryonic and postnatal rodent lens..