科研之友
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摘要
Background & Aims: Wnt/beta-catenin signaling is important in liver physiology. Moreover, beta-catenin is also pivotal in adherens junctions (AJ). Here, we investigate hepatocyte-specific beta-catenin conditional null mice (KO) for any alterations in AJ and related tight junctions (TJ). Methods: Using gene array, PCR, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and co-immunoprecipitation, we compare and contrast the composition of AJ and TJ in KO and littermate wild-type (WT) control livers. Results: We show association of E-cadherin with beta-catenin in epithelial cells of WT livers, which is lost in the KOs. While total levels of alpha-catenin, E-cadherin, and F-actin were modestly decreased, KO livers show increased gamma-catenin/plakoglobin. By co-immunoprecipitation, E-cadherin/beta-catenin/F-actin association was observed in WT livers, while the association of E-cadherin/gamma-catenin/F-actin was evident in KO livers. gamma-Catenin was localized at the hepatocyte membrane at baseline in the KO liver. While gamma-catenin gene expression remained unaltered, an increase in serine-and threonine-phosphorylated, but not tyrosine-phosphorylated gamma-catenin was observed in KO livers. A continued presence of gamma-catenin at the hepatocyte membrane, without any nuclear localization, was observed in liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy at 40 and 72 h, in both KO and WT. Analysis of TJ revealed lack of claudin-2 and increased levels of JAM-A and claudin-1 in KO livers. Conclusions: beta-Catenin adequately maintains AJ in the absence of beta-catenin in hepatocytes; however, it lacks nuclear localization. Moreover, beta-catenin/claudin-2 may be an important mechanism of crosstalk between the AJ and TJ.
- 出版日期2011-12
