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The Wnt/PCP formin Daam1 drives cell-cell adhesion during nephron development
Vanja Krneta-Stankic1, Mark E Corkins2, Adriana Paulucci-Holthauzen3
1Program in Genes and Development, MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Research Center, UTHealth McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Cell Reports
|July 7, 2021
Summary
Dishevelled-associated activator of morphogenesis 1 (Daam1) is crucial for epithelial tissue organization. It regulates cell adhesion by controlling E-cadherin and actin dynamics, essential for development and homeostasis.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Epithelial Biology
Background:
- E-cadherin junctions are vital for epithelial tissue development and homeostasis.
- The Wnt/planar cell polarity (PCP) pathway influences cell adhesion and tissue organization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of Dishevelled-associated activator of morphogenesis 1 (Daam1) in regulating E-cadherin-based intercellular adhesion.
- To understand Daam1's contribution to epithelial tissue organization.
Main Methods:
- Live imaging of Xenopus embryonic kidney and MDCK cells.
- Analysis of junctional filamentous actin (F-actin) dynamics upon Daam1 depletion.
- Assessment of E-cadherin localization and renal cell movement.
Main Results:
- Daam1 localizes to newly formed cell contacts in the developing nephron.
- Daam1 depletion leads to decreased F-actin localization and slowed turnover at junctions.
- Daam1 is essential for timely and efficient localization of junctional E-cadherin, mediated by its FH2 domain.
- Daam1 signaling promotes organized renal cell movement.
Conclusions:
- Daam1 formin junctional activity is critical for epithelial tissue organization.
- Daam1 plays a key role in regulating E-cadherin-mediated adhesion and actin dynamics.
- Daam1 is essential for proper development and homeostasis of epithelial tissues.
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