Nuclear translocation of beta-catenin in developing auditory epithelia of mice

Beta-catenin, a protein component of adherens junctions, plays a role in the signalling pathway for cell proliferation. In this study, we examined the cellular distribution of beta-catenin in developing auditory epithelia of mice. Immunohistochemistry for Ki67 and cyclin D indicated active cell proliferation in premature auditory epithelia. In this period, the nuclear localization of beta-catenin in epithelial cells was observed together with expression of the lymphoid enhancer factor, a transcription factor in beta-catenin signalling. Epithelial cells showing nuclear localization of beta-catenin disappeared at the same time, as there was a decrease of cell proliferation. These findings indicate that nuclear translocation of beta-catenin plays a role in cell proliferation in developing auditory epithelia.