Beta-catenin regulates Cripto- and Wnt3-dependent gene expression programs in mouse axis and mesoderm formation
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 30, 2026

Reconstitution Of β-catenin Degradation In Xenopus Egg Extract
Published on: June 17, 2014
Markus Morkel1, Joerg Huelsken, Maki Wakamiya
1Max Delbrueck Center for Molecular Medicine, Robert-Roessle-Strasse 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany.
Abstract:
Gene expression profiling of beta-catenin, Cripto and Wnt3 mutant mouse embryos has been used to characterise the genetic networks that regulate early embryonic development. We have defined genes whose expression is regulated by beta-catenin during formation of the anteroposterior axis and the mesoderm, and have identified Cripto, which encodes a Nodal co-receptor, as a primary target of beta-catenin signals both in embryogenesis as well as in colon carcinoma cell lines and tissues. We have also defined groups of genes regulated by Wnt3/beta-catenin signalling during primitive streak and mesoderm formation. Our data assign a key role to beta-catenin upstream of two distinct gene expression programs during anteroposterior axis and mesoderm formation.
Related Concept Videos
Non-Canonical Wnt Signaling Pathways
Canonical Wnt Signaling Pathway
Catenins
Catenins in Cell Junctions
Catenins bind to cell adhesion molecules such as cadherins and link them to different cytoskeletal proteins depending on the type of cell junction. At the adherens...
Cadherins in Tissue Organization
Cell Sorting During Development
Cell sorting plays an...
Hedgehog Signaling Pathway
Notch Signaling Pathway
The Notch gene came into the limelight in 1914 after the discovery that its mutation in Drosophila melanogaster leads to a serrated (or "notched") wing margin phenotype. It was not until 1985...
