Fig. 1

Paxillin at focal adhesions. As a major component of FAs, the phosphorylation of paxillin by FAK upon integrin activation allows the recruitment of several enzymes and structural molecules. Dynamics of paxillin association with these molecules results in changes in cell movement and migration. The figure depicts a simplified scheme showing the main components of a focal adhesion complex. The number and composition of the FA complex and the related signaling pathways may vary in different scenarios, according to the subunit composition of integrin receptors and the specific signaling pathways activated by distinct combinations, in addition to the type and developmental stage of the cell [44]