biostudies-literatureXiong XNIDDK NIH HHSNCI NIH HHSNIGMS NIH HHS87-98https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC3248907biostudies-literatureUnknown23(1)E-Cadherin-mediated formation of adherens junctions (AJs) is essential for the morphogenesis of epithelial cells. However, the mechanisms underlying E-cadherin clustering and AJ maturation are not fully understood. Here we report that type Iγ phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate 5-kinase (PIPKIγ) associates with the exocyst via a direct interaction with Exo70, the exocyst subunit that guides the polarized targeting of exocyst to the plasma membrane. By means of this interaction, PIPKIγ mediates the association between E-cadherin and Exo70 and determines the targeting of Exo70 to AJs. Further investigation revealed that Exo70 is necessary for clustering of E-cadherin on the plasma membrane and extension of nascent E-cadherin adhesions, which are critical for the maturation of cohesive AJs. In aMolecular biology of the cellAn association between type Iγ PI4P 5-kinase and Exo70 directs E-cadherin clustering and epithelial polarization.PMC3248907R01 CA149039R37 GM055816R01 DK090038P30 DK0845671R01CA149039-01A1Huang YHu JLeof EXu QSingh RDAnderson RLing KXiong XfalseAn association between type Iγ PI4P 5-kinase and Exo70 directs E-cadherin clustering and epithelial polarization.E-Cadherin-mediated formation of adherens junctions (AJs) is essential for the morphogenesis of epithelial cells. However, the mechanisms underlying E-cadherin clustering and AJ maturation are not fully understood. Here we report that type Iγ phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate 5-kinase (PIPKIγ) associates with the exocyst via a direct interaction with Exo70, the exocyst subunit that guides the polarized targeting of exocyst to the plasma membrane. By means of this interaction, PIPKIγ mediates the association between E-cadherin and Exo70 and determines the targeting of Exo70 to AJs. Further investigation revealed that Exo70 is necessary for clustering of E-cadherin on the plasma membrane and extension of nascent E-cadherin adhesions, which are critical for the maturation of cohesive AJs. In a2012-01-01T00:00:00Z2012 Jan2025-04-19T13:48:14.486Z2019-03-27T00:47:30ZS-EPMC32489072204902510.1091/mbc.E11-05-0449