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Paraxial protocadherin coordinates cell polarity during convergent extension via Rho A and JNK
Author(s) -
Unterseher Frank,
Hefele Joerg A,
Giehl Klaudia,
De Robertis Eddy M,
Wedlich Doris,
Schambony Alexandra
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
the embo journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 7.484
H-Index - 392
eISSN - 1460-2075
pISSN - 0261-4189
DOI - 10.1038/sj.emboj.7600332
Subject(s) - biology , protocadherin , cell polarity , polarity (international relations) , convergent extension , extension (predicate logic) , paraxial approximation , microbiology and biotechnology , cell , physics , optics , genetics , cadherin , embryo , gastrulation , computer science , embryogenesis , programming language , beam (structure)
Convergent extension movements occur ubiquitously in animal development. This special type of cell movement is controlled by the Wnt/planar cell polarity (PCP) pathway. Here we show that Xenopus paraxial protocadherin (XPAPC) functionally interacts with the Wnt/PCP pathway in the control of convergence and extension (CE) movements in Xenopus laevis . XPAPC functions as a signalling molecule that coordinates cell polarity of the involuting mesoderm in mediolateral orientation and thus selectively promotes convergence in CE movements. XPAPC signals through the small GTPases Rho A and Rac 1 and c‐jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK). Loss of XPAPC function blocks Rho A‐mediated JNK activation. Despite common downstream components, XPAPC and Wnt/PCP signalling are not redundant, and the activity of both, XPAPC and PCP signalling, is required to coordinate CE movements.