Focal adhesion kinase controls pH-dependent epidermal barrier homeostasis by regulating actin-directed Na+/H+ exchanger 1 plasma membrane localization.

ABSTRACT: Ubiquitously expressed focal adhesion kinase (FAK), linked to multiple intracellular signaling pathways, has previously been shown to control cell motility, invasion, proliferation, and survival. Using mice with a keratinocyte-restricted deletion of fak (FAK(K5 KO)), we report here a novel role for FAK: maintenance of adult epidermal permeability barrier homeostasis. Abundant lacunae of unprocessed lipids in stratum corneum (SC) of FAK(K5 KO) mice and delayed barrier recovery pointed to malfunction of pH-dependent enzymes active in extracellular space of SC. Measuring the SC pH gradient showed significantly more neutral pH values in FAK(K5 KO) mice, suggesting the importance of FAK for acidification. Moreover, normal functions were restored when FAK(K5 KO) mice were exposed to a surface pH

SUBMITTER: Ilic D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1899430 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature