Activation of lyn tyrosine kinase through decreased membrane cholesterol levels during a change in its membrane distribution upon cell detachment

Abstract

Background: Lyn tyrosine kinase is anchored to the plasma membrane. Results: Cell detachment changes Lyn distribution from the low density to the high density membrane fractions and activates Lyn through decreased membrane cholesterol levels. Conclusion: Cell detachment-induced Lyn activation plays a role in survival of suspension cells. Significance: Our results provide novel insight into signal transduction upon cell detachment.