N-cadherin regulates spatially polarized signals through distinct p120ctn and β-catenin-dependent signalling pathways

Mingxing Ouyang, Shaoying Lu, Taejin Kim, Chin-En Chen, Jihye Seong, Deborah E. Leckband, Fei Wang, Albert B. Reynolds, Martin A. Schwartz () and Yingxiao Wang ()
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Mingxing Ouyang: University of Illinois
Shaoying Lu: University of Illinois
Taejin Kim: Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois
Chin-En Chen: Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois
Jihye Seong: Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois
Deborah E. Leckband: University of Illinois
Fei Wang: University of Illinois
Albert B. Reynolds: Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
Martin A. Schwartz: School of Medicine, Yale University
Yingxiao Wang: University of Illinois

Nature Communications, 2013, vol. 4, issue 1, 1-12

Abstract: Abstract The spatial distribution of molecular signals within cells is crucial for cellular functions. Here, as a model to study the polarized spatial distribution of molecular activities, we used cells on micropatterned strips of fibronectin with one end free and the other end contacting a neighbouring cell. Phosphoinositide 3-kinase and the small GTPase Rac display greater activity at the free end, whereas myosin II light chain and actin filaments are enriched near the intercellular junction. Phosphoinositide 3-kinase and Rac polarization depend specifically on the N-cadherin–p120catenin complex, whereas myosin II light chain and actin filament polarization depend on the N-cadherin–β-catenin complex. Integrins promote high phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Rac activities at the free end, and the N-cadherin–p120catenin complex excludes integrin α5 at the junctions to suppress local phosphoinositide 3-kinase and Rac activity. We hence conclude that N-cadherin couples with distinct effectors to polarize phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Rac and myosin II light chain/actin filaments in migrating cells.

Date: 2013
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DOI: 10.1038/ncomms2560

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