FAK Expression and Activation in Lens Development
Author Information
Author(s): Kokkinos Maria I., Brown Heidi J., de Iongh Robbert U.
Primary Institution: University of Melbourne
Hypothesis
FAK expression and activation are regulated by FGF2 during lens development.
Conclusion
FAK plays important roles during lens differentiation, particularly as cells exit the cell cycle and initiate fiber differentiation.
Supporting Evidence
- FAK is widely expressed and phosphorylated during embryonic stages of lens morphogenesis.
- FAK expression and phosphorylation are increased by FGF2 concentrations that initiate lens epithelial cell migration and differentiation.
- Disruption of TGFβ-like signals results in abnormal lens fiber differentiation in transgenic mice.
Takeaway
FAK is a protein that helps lens cells grow and change shape, and its activity is influenced by certain growth factors.
Methodology
FAK expression and activation were studied using in situ hybridization, immunofluorescence, and western blotting in embryonic and postnatal rodent lenses.
Limitations
The study primarily focuses on rodent models, which may not fully represent human lens development.
Participant Demographics
Embryonic and postnatal rodent lenses were used, including Wistar rats and transgenic mice.
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