Download MendeleyFAK dimerization controls its kinase-dependent functions at focal adhesions.
Brami-Cherrier, K., Gervasi, N., Arsenieva, D., Walkiewicz, K., Boutterin, M.C., Ortega, A., Leonard, P.G., Seantier, B., Gasmi, L., Bouceba, T., Kadare, G., Girault, J.A., Arold, S.T.(2014) EMBO J 33: 356-370
- PubMed: 24480479
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/embj.201386399
- Primary Citation of Related Structures:
4NY0 - PubMed Abstract:
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) controls adhesion-dependent cell motility, survival, and proliferation. FAK has kinase-dependent and kinase-independent functions, both of which play major roles in embryogenesis and tumor invasiveness. The precise mechanisms of FAK activation are not known. Using x-ray crystallography, small angle x-ray scattering, and biochemical and functional analyses, we show that the key step for activation of FAK's kinase-dependent functions--autophosphorylation of tyrosine-397--requires site-specific dimerization of FAK. The dimers form via the association of the N-terminal FERM domain of FAK and are stabilized by an interaction between FERM and the C-terminal FAT domain. FAT binds to a basic motif on FERM that regulates co-activation and nuclear localization. FAK dimerization requires local enrichment, which occurs specifically at focal adhesions. Paxillin plays a dual role, by recruiting FAK to focal adhesions and by reinforcing the FAT:FERM interaction. Our results provide a structural and mechanistic framework to explain how FAK combines multiple stimuli into a site-specific function. The dimer interfaces we describe are promising targets for blocking FAK activation.
Organizational Affiliation:
Inserm UMR-S839, Paris, France.
