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Updated: Jul 9, 2026
08:15
Bead Aggregation Assays for the Characterization of Putative Cell Adhesion Molecules
Published on: October 17, 2014
Cadherin-mediated adhesion regulates posterior body formation
Michael J Harrington1, Elim Hong, Oluwafoyinsa Fasanmi
1Department of Biological Sciences, University of Maryland Baltimore County, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, Maryland 21250, USA. mharri2@umbc.edu
BMC Developmental Biology
|November 30, 2007
Summary
Classical cadherins are essential for zebrafish tailbud elongation. Impaired cell adhesion due to N-cadherin defects disrupts posterior axial mesodermal cell extension, highlighting their role in vertebrate tail development.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Adhesion
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Vertebrate embryonic anterior-posterior axis elongation involves mesodermal convergence and extension.
- Tailbud elongation continues post-gastrulation, utilizing convergent extension and posterior-specific cell behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of classical cadherins in zebrafish tailbud elongation.
- To elucidate the cellular mechanisms underlying posterior axis development.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a semi-dominant N-cadherin allele in zebrafish.
- Performed in vivo imaging of cell behaviors in the tailbud.
- Examined N-cadherin expression patterns and interactions with Vangl2.
Main Results:
- N-cadherin is crucial for tailbud elongation in zebrafish.
- Defects in N-cadherin lead to impaired posterior axial mesodermal cell extension.
- N-cadherin acts synergistically with Vangl2 in tail morphogenesis.
Conclusions:
- Classical cadherins function in parallel with the planar cell polarity pathway for posterior axis shaping.
- Adhesion molecules, particularly classical cadherins, are vital for vertebrate morphogenesis and tail development.
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