Focal adhesion kinase: A promising regulator of colitis-associated healing

Figure 4 Schematic overview of colonic epithelial wound healing. Injury induces upregulated expression of extracellular matrix components, including β1 integrin and collagen, which form a supportive scaffold for epithelial cell migration and adhesion. β1 integrin engages with the extracellular matrix to activate focal adhesion kinase. Through its interaction with Src kinase, focal adhesion kinase subsequently activates Yes-associated protein. The activation of Yes-associated protein promotes epithelial cell proliferation, a crucial process for initiating mucosal repair/restitution. ECM: Extracellular matrix; FAK: Focal adhesion kinase; YAP: Yes-associated protein.