Fig 1. FAK modulation of cancer cell glucose consumption and proliferation.
Growth factors, insulin/IGF1R, and/or anchorage-activated integrin trigger FAK activation. Downstream factors, IRS and PI3K/Akt induce alteration of glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration. Excessive glucose consumption provides energy and precursors to rapidly growing cells. Inhibitors targeting FAK or FAK-IGF1R interactions can prevent malignant cell glucose consumption and growth.