Reference - Detail
RRC ID | 28734 |
---|---|
Author | Dickinson DJ, Nelson WJ, Weis WI. |
Title | A polarized epithelium organized by beta- and alpha-catenin predates cadherin and metazoan origins. |
Journal | Science |
Abstract |
A fundamental characteristic of metazoans is the formation of a simple, polarized epithelium. In higher animals, the structural integrity and functional polarization of simple epithelia require a cell-cell adhesion complex that contains a classical cadherin, the Wnt-signaling protein β-catenin and the actin-binding protein α-catenin. We show that the non-metazoan Dictyostelium discoideum forms a polarized epithelium that is essential for multicellular development. Although D. discoideum lacks a cadherin homolog, we identify an α-catenin ortholog that binds a β-catenin-related protein. Both proteins are essential for formation of the epithelium, polarized protein secretion, and proper multicellular morphogenesis. Thus, the organizational principles of metazoan multicellularity may be more ancient than previously recognized, and the role of the catenins in cell polarity predates the evolution of Wnt signaling and classical cadherins. |
Volume | 331(6022) |
Pages | 1336-9 |
Published | 2011-3-11 |
DOI | 10.1126/science.1199633 |
PII | 331/6022/1336 |
PMID | 21393547 |
PMC | PMC3152298 |
MeSH | Actin Cytoskeleton / metabolism Cadherins / metabolism Cell Polarity* Cellulose / metabolism Dictyostelium / cytology Dictyostelium / growth & development Dictyostelium / physiology* Dictyostelium / ultrastructure Epithelial Cells / physiology* Epithelial Cells / ultrastructure Epithelium / physiology* Intercellular Junctions / metabolism Morphogenesis Protozoan Proteins / chemistry Protozoan Proteins / genetics Protozoan Proteins / metabolism* RNA Interference alpha Catenin / chemistry alpha Catenin / genetics alpha Catenin / metabolism* beta Catenin / metabolism* |
IF | 41.846 |
Times Cited | 87 |
WOS Category | CELL BIOLOGY |
Resource | |
Cellular slime molds | G02223 |