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Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Induction of Adhesion-dependent Signals Using Low-intensity Ultrasound
Published on: May 8, 2012
Links between signal transduction, transcription and adhesion in epithelial bud development
Colin Jamora1, Ramanuj DasGupta, Pawel Kocieniewski
1Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Laboratory of Mammalian Cell Biology and Development, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York 10021, USA.
Two external signals, Wnt and BMP inhibitor, trigger hair follicle formation by stabilizing beta-catenin and producing Lef1. This complex downregulates E-cadherin, enabling stem cell morphogenesis and hair follicle development.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Stem Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Organogenesis, including hair follicle development, begins with epithelial stem cell downgrowth.
- Follicular morphogenesis involves stem cells altering polarity and cell-cell contacts to form bud structures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying follicular morphogenesis.
- To identify the signaling pathways and transcription factors involved in hair follicle development.
Main Methods:
- Investigated the roles of Wnt signaling and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) inhibition in follicular morphogenesis.
- Analyzed the interaction between beta-catenin, Lef1, and E-cadherin during hair follicle formation.
- Utilized Drosophila models to study the function of E-cadherin in cell division and cytoskeletal dynamics.
Main Results:
- Simultaneous Wnt signaling and BMP inhibition stabilize beta-catenin and produce Lef1.
- Activated Lef1 complexes downregulate E-cadherin, a key factor in cell polarity and adhesion.
- Impaired signaling or elevated E-cadherin levels disrupt follicle morphogenesis and invagination.
Conclusions:
- A molecular program links Wnt and BMP signaling pathways to Lef1 transcription factor formation.
- Lef1 remodels cellular junctions by downregulating E-cadherin, facilitating follicle formation.
- E-cadherin's role in cell division and adhesion is critical for hair follicle development.
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