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The distribution of E-cadherin during Xenopus laevis development
G Levi1, B Gumbiner, J P Thiery
1Laboratoire du Physiopathologie du Developpement, CNRS URA 1337, Paris, France.
Development (Cambridge, England)
|January 1, 1991
Summary
E-cadherin expression in Xenopus laevis is unique, appearing late in ectoderm and differentiating epithelia. This cell adhesion molecule is crucial for epithelial development and tissue remodeling during metamorphosis.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Cell surface molecules mediate cell-cell and cell-substrate interactions essential for morphogenesis.
- E-cadherin is a key cell adhesion molecule regulating calcium-dependent epithelial cell interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the spatio-temporal expression patterns of E-cadherin during Xenopus laevis development.
- To compare Xenopus E-cadherin distribution with that in other species and identify unique features.
Main Methods:
- Immunofluorescence microscopy was employed to visualize E-cadherin distribution.
- Analysis covered developmental stages from early embryo to adult Xenopus laevis.
Main Results:
- E-cadherin is initially absent, first detected in late gastrula ectoderm; endodermal and mesodermal expression is minimal in early stages.
- Xenopus E-cadherin shows unique patterns, differing from chicken L-CAM and mouse E-cadherin/Uvomorulin, particularly in endoderm and placodes.
- Expression is strong in differentiated epithelia of skin, gut, pancreas, and glands, including during metamorphosis and in adult tissues.
Conclusions:
- Xenopus E-cadherin expression is tightly correlated with the formation and differentiation of epithelial tissues.
- The unique expression profile highlights species-specific roles of E-cadherin in amphibian development and metamorphosis.