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N‐cadherin is dispensable for pancreas development but required for β‐cell granule turnover
Author(s) -
Johansson Jenny K.,
Voss Ulrikke,
Kesavan Gokul,
Kostetskii Igor,
Wierup Nils,
Radice Glenn L.,
Semb Henrik
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
genesis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.093
H-Index - 110
eISSN - 1526-968X
pISSN - 1526-954X
DOI - 10.1002/dvg.20628
Subject(s) - cadherin , pancreas , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , granule (geology) , epithelium , endocrinology , secretion , endocrine system , medicine , enteroendocrine cell , cell , hormone , genetics , paleontology
The cadherin family of cell adhesion molecules mediates adhesive interactions that are required for the formation and maintenance of tissues. Previously, we demonstrated that N‐cadherin, which is required for numerous morphogenetic processes, is expressed in the pancreatic epithelium at E9.5, but later becomes restricted to endocrine aggregates in mice. To study the role of N‐cadherin during pancreas formation and function we generated a tissue‐specific knockout of N‐cadherin in the early pancreatic epithelium by inter‐crossing N‐cadherin ‐floxed mice with Pdx1Cre mice. Analysis of pancreas‐specific ablation of N‐cadherin demonstrates that N‐cadherin is dispensable for pancreatic development, but required for β‐cell granule turnover. The number of insulin secretory granules is significantly reduced in N‐cadherin‐deficient β‐cells, and as a consequence insulin secretion is decreased. genesis 48:374–381, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.