MUP-4 is a novel transmembrane protein with functions in epithelial cell adhesion in Caenorhabditis elegans.

ABSTRACT: Tissue functions and mechanical coupling of cells must be integrated throughout development. A striking example of this coupling is the interactions of body wall muscle and hypodermal cells in Caenorhabditis elegans. These tissues are intimately associated in development and their interactions generate structures that provide a continuous mechanical link to transmit muscle forces across the hypodermis to the cuticle. Previously, we established that mup-4 is essential in embryonic epithelial (hypodermal) morphogenesis and maintenance of muscle position. Here, we report that mup-4 encodes a novel transmembrane protein that is required for attachments between the apical epithelial surface and the cuticular matrix. Its extracellular domain includes epidermal growth factor-like repeats, a von W

SUBMITTER: Hong L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2150763 | biostudies-literature | 2001 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature