FAK

The FAK (focal adhesion kinase) family contains two non-receptor tyrosine kinases, PTK2 (FAK) and PTK2B (PYK2), which serve as central transducers of integrin and growth factor signaling at sites of cell-matrix adhesion. Both contain an N-terminal FERM domain, a kinase domain, and a C-terminal FAT domain that binds paxillin and talin, localizing them to focal adhesions. Autophosphorylation at tyrosine 397 of FAK creates a high-affinity Src-binding site, initiating cascades through PI3K-AKT and MAPK that promote cell spreading, migration and survival. FAK signaling is frequently hyperactivated in solid tumors, driving invasion and metastasis, and FAK inhibitors such as defactinib have entered clinical trials in mesothelioma and pancreatic cancer.