Inappropriate cadherin switching in the mouse epiblast compromises proper signaling between the epiblast and the extraembryonic ectoderm during gastrulation.

ABSTRACT: Cadherin switching from E-cadherin (E-cad) to N-cadherin (N-cad) is a key step of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) processes that occurs during gastrulation and cancer progression. We investigate whether cadherins actively participate in progression of EMT by crosstalk to signaling pathways. We apply ectopic cadherin switching before the onset of mouse gastrulation. Mutants with an induced E-cad to N-cad switch (Ncadki) die around E8.5. Severe morphological changes including a small epiblast, a rounded shape, an enlarged extra-embryonic compartment and lack of the amnion, combined with a massive cell detachment from the ectodermal layer are detected. In contrast to epiblast-specific E-cad depletion, gastrulation is initiated in Ncadki embryos, but patterning of the germ-layers i

SUBMITTER: Basilicata MF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4877576 | biostudies-literature | 2016 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature