How β-Catenin from Adherens Junctions Influences Wnt Signaling
Author Information
Author(s): Kam Yoonseok, Quaranta Vito
Primary Institution: Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
Hypothesis
Can the cadherin-bound pool of β-catenin be released and made available for signaling?
Conclusion
The study shows that β-catenin from adherens junctions can be translocated to the nucleus upon Wnt pathway activation after junction dissociation.
Supporting Evidence
- β-catenin and E-cadherin were found to colocalize in a perinuclear compartment after AJ dissociation.
- ERC-resident β-catenin translocates to the nucleus upon treatment with a Wnt pathway activator.
- Pulse-chase experiments showed that β-catenin from AJ can be tracked to the nucleus.
Takeaway
When cells lose their connections, a protein called β-catenin can move to a special area in the cell and then go into the nucleus to help control how genes work.
Methodology
A431 cell colonies were treated with lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) to induce adherens junction dissociation, followed by immunostaining and microscopy to analyze β-catenin localization.
Limitations
The physiological significance of the intersection between AJ and Wnt signaling remains unclear.
Participant Demographics
A431 squamous carcinoma cell line was used in the study.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website