RESUMEN

E-cadherin (CDH1) is involved in maintaining cell-cell adhesions in embryonic stem cells (ESCs). However, its function in the context of cell fate decisions is largely unknown. Using mouse ESCs (mESCs), we demonstrate that E-cadherin and ß-catenin interact at the membrane and continue to do so upon internalization within the cell. Cdh1-/- mESCs failed to form tight colonies, with altered differentiation, marker expression and retention of pluripotency factors during differentiation. Interestingly, Cdh1-/- mESCs showed dramatically reduced ß-catenin levels. Transcriptional profiling of Cdh1-/- mESCs displayed a significant alteration in the expression of a subset of ß-catenin targets in a cell state- and GSK3ß-dependent manner. Our findings hint at hitherto unknown roles played by E-cadherin in regulating the activity of ß-catenin in ESCs.

Asunto(s)

Células Madre Embrionarias , beta Catenina , Animales , Cadherinas/genética , Cadherinas/metabolismo , Adhesión Celular/genética , Diferenciación Celular/genética , Células Madre Embrionarias/metabolismo , Ratones , Células Madre Embrionarias de Ratones , beta Catenina/genética , beta Catenina/metabolismo