Murphy2016_Article_FAKAndPyk2InDisease.pdf

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 (Pyk2) are non-receptor protein tyrosinekinases that are involved in cell proliferation, migration and survival. Current research of FAK and Pyk2 is greatlyfocused in cancer biology and several small molecule inhibitors are being tested under clinical development. Like cancer,certain chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, bone disease, fibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and neurologicaldisorders, share malignant characteristics of cancer. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that FAK and Pyk2contribute to other proliferative and degenerative diseases. Thus, the goal of this review is to briefly highlight studiesthat have implicated FAK and Pyk2 as players in disease progression