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
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