Wingless signaling modulates cadherin-mediated cell adhesion in Drosophila imaginal disc cells.
Submitted by admin on Thu, 10/14/2010 - 22:44
| Title | Wingless signaling modulates cadherin-mediated cell adhesion in Drosophila imaginal disc cells. |
| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 2006 |
| Authors | Wodarz A, Stewart DB, Nelson JW, Nusse R |
| Journal | J Cell Sci |
| Volume | 119 |
| Pagination | 2425–2434 |
| Date Published | Jun |
| ISSN | 0021-9533 (Print); 0021-9533 (Linking) |
| Abstract | Armadillo, the Drosophila homolog of beta-catenin, plays a crucial role in both the Wingless signal transduction pathway and cadherin-mediated cell-cell adhesion, raising the possibility that Wg signaling affects cell adhesion. Here, we use a tissue culture system that allows conditional activation of the Wingless signaling pathway and modulation of E-cadherin expression levels. We show that activation of the Wingless signaling pathway leads to the accumulation of hypophosphorylated Armadillo in the cytoplasm and in cellular processes, and to a concomitant reduction of membrane-associated Armadillo. Activation of the Wingless pathway causes a loss of E-cadherin from the cell surface, reduced cell adhesion and increased spreading of the cells on the substratum. After the initial loss of E-cadherin from the cell surface, E-cadherin gene expression is increased by Wingless. We suggest that Wingless signaling causes changes in Armadillo levels and subcellular localization that result in a transient reduction of cadherin-mediated cell adhesion, thus facilitating cell shape changes, division and movement of cells in epithelial tissues. |
| DOI | 10.1242/jcs.02973 |
