Loss of Keratinocyte Focal Adhesion Kinase Stimulates Dermal Proteolysis Through Upregulation of MMP9 in Wound Healing

Abstract

Keratinocyte FAK is highly responsive to mechanical cues and may play a critical role in matrix remodeling via regulation of p38 and MMP9. These findings suggest that aberrant epithelial mechanosensory pathways may contribute to pathologic dermal proteolysis and wound chronicity.