Clutching at Guidance Cues: The Integrin–FAK Axis Steers Axon Outgrowth

Integrin receptors are essential contributors to neurite outgrowth and axon elongation. Activated integrins engage components of the extracellular matrix, enabling growth cone form point contacts, which connect substrate dynamic intracellular protein complexes. These adhesion complexes facilitate efficient migration extension. Major signalling pathways mediated by complex instigated focal kinase (FAK), whilst axonal guidance molecules present in vivo promote turning or retraction local modulation FAK activity. Activation is marked phosphorylation following integrin engagement, this activity tightly regulated during outgrowth. inhibition slows reducing contact turnover; however, mutant constructs with enhanced stimulate aberrant Importantly, a major structural component maturing sites, provide platform for actin polymerisation drive leading edge advance. In review, we discuss coordinated FAK, as well their role regulating We also importance integrin–FAK axis vivo, expression activation key determinants successful regeneration injury.