FAK engages multiple pathways to maintain survival of fibroblasts and epithelia: differential roles for paxillin and p130Cas.

Different cell types interpret their distinct extracellular matrix (ECM) environments to bring about specific cell fate decisions, and can differentiate or undergo apoptosis depending on their local adhesive interactions. Apoptosis in response to an inappropriate ECM environment is termed ;anoikis', or homelessness. Several studies, utilising a variety of cell types, have indicated a common, crucial role for focal adhesion kinase (FAK) in suppressing anoikis.