Effects of N-cadherin overexpression on the adhesion properties of embryonic stem cells.
Constitutive overexpression of N-cadherin in mouse embryonic stem cells led to marked changes in the phenotype and adhesion properties of these cells. The changes included the formation of smaller embryonic bodies, elevated mRNA and total protein levels of N-cadherin, and increased amounts of p120 catenin and connexin-43. N-cadherin cells exhibited decreased attachment to non-cell surfaces, while their adhesiveness to each other and to rat neonatal cardiomyocytes was significantly elevated. The findings suggest that N-cadherin overexpression can facilitate electromechanical integration of stem cells into excitable tissues with endogenously high levels of N-cadherin, such as the heart and brain.
Karabekian
Zaruhi
Z
Pharmacology and Physiology Department, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037, USA.
Gillum
Nikki D
ND
Wong
Elissa W P
EW
Sarvazyan
Narine
N
D000818:Animals; D015820:Cadherins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D051177:Catenins; D002448:Cell Adhesion; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules / Q000378:metabolism; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002460:Cell Line; D048430:Cell Shape; D018031:Connexin 43 / Q000378:metabolism; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000166:cytology; D053595:Embryonic Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D051379:Mice; D010750:Phosphoproteins / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D000095002:Delta Catenin
D015820:Cadherins; D051177:Catenins; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules; D018031:Connexin 43; D010750:Phosphoproteins; D000095002:Delta Catenin