The Role of FAK ( Focal Adhesion Kinase) in Fertilization of Starfish Asterina Miniata PLC

Abstract

Fertilization need increased the concentration of Ca + for egg activation. Inositol 1,4,5trisphosphate (IP3), the second messenger of phospholipase Cγ, regulates the initial calcium rise from egg's endoplasmic reticulum. However, FAK (focal adhesion kinase) is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase, which is known to create docking sites for signaling molecules that contain SH2 domains, including PLC. PLC participates in other signaling pathways besides fertilization and the role FAK may play in fertilization has not been determined. The goal of these experiments is to determine is the FAK is the link between Src and PLC, as well as, confirming or not confirming if Src directly or indirectly activates PLC.