Convergence of Wnt, ß-catenin, and cadherin pathways

WJ Nelson, R Nusse - Science, 2004 - science.org
WJ Nelson, R Nusse
Science, 2004science.org
The specification and proper arrangements of new cell types during tissue differentiation
require the coordinated regulation of gene expression and precise interactions between
neighboring cells. Of the many growth factors involved in these events, Wnts are particularly
interesting regulators, because a key component of their signaling pathway, β-catenin, also
functions as a component of the cadherin complex, which controls cell-cell adhesion and
influences cell migration. Here, we assemble evidence of possible interrelations between …
The specification and proper arrangements of new cell types during tissue differentiation require the coordinated regulation of gene expression and precise interactions between neighboring cells. Of the many growth factors involved in these events, Wnts are particularly interesting regulators, because a key component of their signaling pathway, β-catenin, also functions as a component of the cadherin complex, which controls cell-cell adhesion and influences cell migration. Here, we assemble evidence of possible interrelations between Wnt and other growth factor signaling, β-catenin functions, and cadherin-mediated adhesion.
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