Loss Of N-cadherin Research Articles

N-Cadherin in Osteolineage Cells Is Not Required for Maintenance of Hematopoietic Stem Cells

Abstract 2390Osteoblast lineage cells have been shown to play an important role in regulating hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), and there is intense interest in identifying HSC regulatory molecules they produce. It has been reported that HSCs lie adjacent to spindle-shaped N-cadherin+ osteoblasts (SNO cells) and home to them in irradiated recipients, suggesting that N-cadherin may tether HSCs to their niche. Studies of N-cadherin expression in HSCs and its role in regulating HSC function have yielded conflicting results. Conditional deletion of Cdh2 (encoding N-cadherin) in HSCs had no affect on HSC number or function. On the other hand, silencing of N-cadherin using shRNA or expression of a dominant negative N-cadherin mutant resulted in the loss of HSC quiescence and repopulating activity. In addition to forming homodimers, N-cadherin is able to interact with other cadherins such E-cadherin, C-cadherin, and R-cadherin as well as non-cadherins such as KLRG1. Thus it is possible that expression of other cadherins in HSCs may compensate for the loss of N-cadherin. Rather than attempt to reconcile the conflicting results involving HSC production of N-cadherin, we chose to investigate what role that osteolineage production of N-cadherin plays in the regulation of hematopoiesis. Specifically, we conditionally deleted N-cadherin from osteoblast lineage cells using transgenic mice expressing Cre-recombinase under control of the osterix promoter (Osx-Cre mice). Our lineage mapping studies using the Osx-Cre mice demonstrated that this transgene directs recombination in SNO cells in the bone marrow. Accordingly, we intercrossed the Osx-Cre mice with Cdh2flox mice to generate N-cadherin-deleted (Cdh2flox/flox Osx-Cre) and control (Cdh2flox/flox) mice. N-cadherin expression was efficiently ablated in osteoblast lineage cells as assessed by mRNA expression (20-fold lower than control mice) and immunostaining of bone sections. Blood counts, bone marrow and spleen cellularity, and leukocyte differentials in N-cadherin-deleted mice were no different from control mice, indicating that basal hematopoiesis is normal. Moreover, the number of phenotypic HSCs (defined as lin− c-kit+ sca+ CD41− CD48− CD150+ cells) and their cell cycle status was normal. HSC long-term repopulating activity and self-renewal capacity were assessed by competitive repopulation assays and serial transplantation, respectively; we show that loss of osteoblast N-cadherin had no effect on these parameters. N-cadherin has been implicated in the homing and retention of HSCs to the bone marrow. However, we show that homing and engraftment of wildtype cells into N-cadherin-deleted recipients was normal. Finally, we tested the response to G-CSF, a potent HSC mobilizing stimulus, which leads to a profound loss of osteoblasts. N-cadherin-deleted mice showed normal mobilization of progenitors to the blood and spleen. Together, our data show that N-cadherin expression on SNO cells (and other osteoblast-lineage cells) is dispensable for HSC maintenance and trafficking. Disclosures:No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Angiotensin II Activation of mTOR Results in Tubulointerstitial Fibrosis through Loss of N-Cadherin

Background/Aims: Angiotensin (Ang) II contributes to tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Recent data highlight mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/S6 kinase 1 (S6K1) signaling in tubulointerstitial fibrosis; however, the mechanisms remain unclear. Thereby, we investigated the role of Ang II on mTOR/S6K1-dependent proximal tubule (PT) injury, remodeling, and fibrosis. Methods: We utilized young transgenic Ren2 rats (R2-T) and Sprague-Dawley rats (SD-T) treated with the Ang type 1 receptor (AT₁R) blocker telmisartan (2 mg · kg^–1 · day^–1) or vehicle (R2-C; SD-C) for 3 weeks to examine PT structure and function. Results: Ren2 rats displayed increased systolic blood pressure, proteinuria and increased PT oxidant stress and remodeling. There were parallel increases in kidney injury molecule-1 and reductions in neprilysin and megalin with associated ultrastructural findings of decreased clathrin-coated pits, endosomes, and vacuoles. Ren2 rats displayed increased Serine²⁴⁴⁸ phosphorylation of mTOR and downstream S6K1, in concert with ultrastructural basement membrane thickening, tubulointerstitial fibrosis and loss of the adhesion molecule N-cadherin. Telmisartan treatment attenuated proteinuria as well as the biochemical and tubulointerstitial structural abnormalities seen in the Ren2 rats. Conclusions: Our observations suggest that Ang II activation of the AT₁R contributes to PT brush border injury and remodeling, in part, due to enhanced mTOR/S6K1 signaling which promotes tubulointerstitial fibrosis through loss of N-cadherin.

Cortactin Is Required for N-cadherin Regulation of Kv1.5 Channel Function

The intercalated disc serves as an organizing center for various cell surface components at the termini of the cardiomyocyte, thus ensuring proper mechanoelectrical coupling throughout the myocardium. The cell adhesion molecule, N-cadherin, is an essential component of the intercalated disc. Cardiac-specific deletion of N-cadherin leads to abnormal electrical conduction and sudden arrhythmic death in mice. The mechanisms linking the loss of N-cadherin in the heart and spontaneous malignant ventricular arrhythmias are poorly understood. To investigate whether ion channel remodeling contributes to arrhythmogenesis in N-cadherin conditional knock-out (N-cad CKO) mice, cardiac myocyte excitability and voltage-gated potassium channel (Kv), as well as inwardly rectifying K(+) channel remodeling, were investigated in N-cad CKO cardiomyocytes by whole cell patch clamp recordings. Action potential duration was prolonged in N-cad CKO ventricle myocytes compared with wild type. Relative to wild type, I(K,slow) density was significantly reduced consistent with decreased expression of Kv1.5 and Kv accessory protein, Kcne2, in the N-cad CKO myocytes. The decreased Kv1.5/Kcne2 expression correlated with disruption of the actin cytoskeleton and reduced cortactin at the sarcolemma. Biochemical experiments revealed that cortactin co-immunoprecipitates with Kv1.5. Finally, cortactin was required for N-cadherin-mediated enhancement of Kv1.5 channel activity in a heterologous expression system. Our results demonstrate a novel mechanistic link among the cell adhesion molecule, N-cadherin, the actin-binding scaffold protein, cortactin, and Kv channel remodeling in the heart. These data suggest that in addition to gap junction remodeling, aberrant Kv1.5 channel function contributes to the arrhythmogenic phenotype in N-cad CKO mice.

N-Cadherin Loss in POMC-Expressing Cells Leads to Pituitary Disorganization

N-Cadherin Loss in POMC-Expressing Cells Leads to Pituitary Disorganization

N-Cadherin Loss in POMC-Expressing Cells Leads to Pituitary Disorganization

N-Cadherin Loss in POMC-Expressing Cells Leads to Pituitary Disorganization

N-Cadherin Loss in POMC-Expressing Cells Leads to Pituitary Disorganization

Pituitary tumors are the third most common intracranial tumor in humans and can cause altered hormone secretions leading to hypercortisolism, acromegaly, and infertility. Reduced expression of the cell adhesion molecule N-cadherin has been linked with the formation of pituitary tumors, but its role in normal pituitary gland physiology or tumor initiation is unknown. In the murine pituitary, N-cadherin expression is detected in virtually all cells of the posterior, intermediate, and anterior lobes. N-cadherin may function to initiate important cues such as controlling proliferation, directing cell placement, and promoting formation of cell networks that coordinately release hormones into the bloodstream. To address this, we generated mice lacking N-cadherin in proopiomelanocortin-expressing melanotrope and corticotrope cells of the intermediate and anterior lobes of the pituitary. We observed that intermediate lobe cells can aberrantly displace SOX2-containing progenitor cells in the N-cadherin conditional knockout mice at postnatal d 1. By postnatal d 30, although a reduction in α- and β-catenin membrane staining occurs, there is little effect on intermediate lobe architecture with N-cadherin loss. Also, despite these changes in adherens junction molecules, no alterations in cell proliferation occur. In contrast, loss of N-cadherin in the corticotropes leads to aberrant cell clustering and a reduction in Pomc mRNA. Taken together, our data reveal important roles of N-cadherin in pituitary cell placement and that loss of N-cadherin alone does not lead to pituitary tumor formation.

Loss of PI3Kγ Enhances cAMP-Dependent MMP Remodeling of the Myocardial N-Cadherin Adhesion Complexes and Extracellular Matrix in Response to Early Biomechanical Stress

Mechanotransduction and the response to biomechanical stress is a fundamental response in heart disease. Loss of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)γ, the isoform linked to G protein-coupled receptor signaling, results in increased myocardial contractility, but the response to pressure overload is controversial. To characterize molecular and cellular responses of the PI3Kγ knockout (KO) mice to biomechanical stress. In response to pressure overload, PI3KγKO mice deteriorated at an accelerated rate compared with wild-type mice despite increased basal myocardial contractility. These functional responses were associated with compromised phosphorylation of Akt and GSK-3α. In contrast, isolated single cardiomyocytes from banded PI3KγKO mice maintained their hypercontractility, suggesting compromised interaction with the extracellular matrix as the primary defect in the banded PI3KγKO mice. β-Adrenergic stimulation increased cAMP levels with increased phosphorylation of CREB, leading to increased expression of cAMP-responsive matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), MMP2, MT1-MMP, and MMP13 in cardiomyocytes and cardiofibroblasts. Loss of PI3Kγ resulted in increased cAMP levels with increased expression of MMP2, MT1-MMP, and MMP13 and increased MMP2 activation and collagenase activity in response to biomechanical stress. Selective loss of N-cadherin from the adhesion complexes in the PI3KγKO mice resulted in reduced cell adhesion. The β-blocker propranolol prevented the upregulation of MMPs, whereas MMP inhibition prevented the adverse remodeling with both therapies, preventing the functional deterioration in banded PI3KγKO mice. In banded wild-type mice, long-term propranolol prevented the adverse remodeling and systolic dysfunction with preservation of the N-cadherin levels. The enhanced propensity to develop heart failure in the PI3KγKO mice is attributable to a cAMP-dependent upregulation of MMP expression and activity and disorganization of the N-cadherin/β-catenin cell adhesion complex. β-Blocker therapy prevents these changes thereby providing a novel mechanism of action for these drugs.

N-cadherin and cadherin 11 modulate postnatal bone growth and osteoblast differentiation by distinct mechanisms

We have previously shown that targeted expression of a dominant-negative truncated form of N-cadherin (Cdh2) delays acquisition of peak bone mass in mice and retards osteoblast differentiation; whereas deletion of cadherin 11 (Cdh11), another osteoblast cadherin, leads to only modest osteopenia. To determine the specific roles of these two cadherins in the adult skeleton, we generated mice with an osteoblast/osteocyte specific Cdh2 ablation (cKO) and double Cdh2(+/-);Cdh11(-/-) germline mutant mice. Age-dependent osteopenia and smaller diaphyses with decreased bone strength characterize cKO bones. By contrast, Cdh2(+/-);Cdh11(-/-) exhibit severely reduced trabecular bone mass, decreased in vivo bone formation rate, smaller diaphyses and impaired bone strength relative to single Cdh11 null mice. The number of bone marrow immature precursors and osteoprogenitor cells is reduced in both cKO and Cdh2(+/-);Cdh11(-/-) mice, suggesting that N-cadherin is involved in maintenance of the stromal cell precursor pool via the osteoblast. Although Cdh11 is dispensable for postnatal skeletal growth, it favors osteogenesis over adipogenesis. Deletion of either cadherin reduces β-catenin abundance and β-catenin-dependent gene expression, whereas N-cadherin loss disrupts cell-cell adhesion more severely than loss of cadherin 11. Thus, Cdh2 and Cdh11 are crucial regulators of postnatal skeletal growth and bone mass maintenance, serving overlapping, yet distinct, functions in the osteogenic lineage.

Cadherin expression in gastrointestinal tract endometriosis: possible role in deep tissue invasion and development of malignancy

Cadherins are cell surface proteins crucial for cell adhesion and tissue integrity. The mechanism of deep tissue invasion in gastrointestinal endometriosis is unknown and may be related to the altered expression of these cell surface proteins. The goal of this study was to evaluate the expression of N-cadherin, E-cadherin, and β-catenin in peritoneal endometriotic implants, gastrointestinal endometriosis, and carcinoma arising in gastrointestinal endometriosis. Cases of peritoneal endometriosis, gastrointestinal endometriosis, and carcinoma arising in gastrointestinal endometriosis were identified from our pathology database. Immunohistochemistry was performed using antibodies against N-cadherin, E-cadherin, and β-catenin on representative tissue sections. Cases of normal proliferative and secretory endometrium and adenomyosis were included in the study for comparison. The intensity and extent of staining for each marker was scored semiquantitatively. Appropriate positive and negative controls were used. A total of 38 cases (peritoneal endometriosis (n=14), gastrointestinal endometriosis (n=21: 11 colon, 8 appendix, 2 small bowel), and 3 cases of endometrioid carcinoma arising in colonic endometriosis (n=3)) were included in the study. Compared with normal proliferative endometrium, N-cadherin expression was decreased in intensity and extent in secretory endometrium. Peritoneal and gastrointestinal endometriosis also showed markedly decreased expression of N-cadherin compared with proliferative endometrium. All three cases of carcinoma arising in colonic endometriosis showed a total loss of N-cadherin in the tumor, but preserved E-cadherin and β-catenin expression. In these cases, areas of benign endometriotic glands near the tumor showed weak and focal N-cadherin expression that was gradually lost. Moderate-to-strong membranous staining for β-catenin expression and variable intensity of E-cadherin expression was seen diffusely in normal endometrium and all study cases. These results strongly suggest that alterations of N-cadherin expression in gastrointestinal endometriosis may have an important role in the mechanism that underlies deep tissue invasion, and possibly also in the development of malignancy.

N-cadherin acts in concert with Slit1-Robo2 signaling in regulating aggregation of placode-derived cranial sensory neurons

Vertebrate cranial sensory ganglia have a dual origin from the neural crest and ectodermal placodes. In the largest of these, the trigeminal ganglion, Slit1-Robo2 signaling is essential for proper ganglion assembly. Here, we demonstrate a crucial role for the cell adhesion molecule N-cadherin and its interaction with Slit1-Robo2 during gangliogenesis in vivo. A common feature of chick trigeminal and epibranchial ganglia is the expression of N-cadherin and Robo2 on placodal neurons and Slit1 on neural crest cells. Interestingly, N-cadherin localizes to intercellular adherens junctions between placodal neurons during ganglion assembly. Depletion of N-cadherin causes loss of proper ganglion coalescence, similar to that observed after loss of Robo2, suggesting that the two pathways might intersect. Consistent with this possibility, blocking or augmenting Slit-Robo signaling modulates N-cadherin protein expression on the placodal cell surface concomitant with alteration in placodal adhesion. Lack of an apparent change in total N-cadherin mRNA or protein levels suggests post-translational regulation. Co-expression of N-cadherin with dominant-negative Robo abrogates the Robo2 loss-of-function phenotype of dispersed ganglia, whereas loss of N-cadherin reverses the aberrant aggregation induced by increased Slit-Robo expression. Our study suggests a novel mechanism whereby N-cadherin acts in concert with Slit-Robo signaling in mediating the placodal cell adhesion required for proper gangliogenesis.

Active matrix metalloproteinase‐2 promotes apoptosis of hepatic stellate cells via the cleavage of cellular N‐cadherin

Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) are known to synthesise excess matrix that characterises liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. Activated HSC express the matrix-degrading matrix metalloproteinase enzymes (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs). During spontaneous recovery from experimental liver fibrosis, the expression of TIMP-1 declines and hepatic collagenolytic activity increases. This is accompanied by HSC apoptosis. In this study, we examine a potential mechanism whereby MMP activity might induce HSC apoptosis by cleaving N-cadherin at the cell surface. N-cadherin expression was upregulated in human HSC during activation in culture. Addition of function-blocking antibodies or a peptide targeting the extracellular domain of N-cadherin, to cultured HSC, promoted apoptosis. During apoptosis, there was cleavage of N-cadherin into 20-100 kDa fragments. MMP-2 became activated early during HSC apoptosis and directly cleaved N-cadherin in vitro. Addition of activated MMP-2 to HSCs in culture resulted in enhanced apoptosis and loss of N-cadherin. Together, these studies identify a role for both N-cadherin and MMP-2 in mediating HSC apoptosis, where N-cadherin works to provide a cell survival stimulus and MMP-2 promotes HSC apoptosis concomitant with N-cadherin degradation.

Cadherin-11 Up-Regulation in Overactive Bladder Suburothelial Myofibroblasts

We investigated whether the adherens junction proteins cadherin-11 and beta-catenin can be immunohistochemically visualized in the human bladder using commercially available antibodies and, if so, whether there are differences between patients with overactive bladder and refractory detrusor overactivity, and controls without lower urinary tract symptoms. In a prospective, nonrandomized single center study 32 patients with overactive bladder and refractory detrusor overactivity, and 8 controls without lower urinary tract symptoms underwent cystoscopic bladder biopsy. Quantitative immunohistochemistry was performed. The primary outcome was cadherin-11 and beta-catenin expression in the human bladder using commercially available antibodies. The secondary outcome was differences in cadherin-11 and beta-catenin in patients with overactive bladder and refractory detrusor overactivity, and controls. Double labeling experiments showed co-localization of cadherin-11 and connexin 43 in the suburothelium. There was also strong co-localization of cadherin-11 and beta-catenin in the suburothelium and detrusor. Significant 2-fold up-regulation of cadherin-11 was found in the suburothelium of patients with overactive bladder compared with that in controls (p = 0.018), whereas beta-catenin was similar in the groups (p = 0.6). In the detrusor cadherin-11 and beta-catenin expression was comparable in patients with overactive bladder and controls (each p = 0.5). No difference was observed in cadherin-11 and beta-catenin in patients with overactive bladder with idiopathic vs neurogenic detrusor overactivity in the suburothelium and the detrusor (p >0.3 and >0.2, respectively). Using commercially available antibodies cadherin-11 and beta-catenin expression in human bladder suburothelial myofibroblasts and detrusor smooth muscle cells was noted. Cadherin-11 up-regulation in suburothelial myofibroblasts in patients with overactive bladder may be significant in overactive bladder pathogenesis.

Conserved Alternative Splicing and Expression Patterns of Arthropod N-Cadherin

Metazoan development requires complex mechanisms to generate cells with diverse function. Alternative splicing of pre-mRNA not only expands proteomic diversity but also provides a means to regulate tissue-specific molecular expression. The N-Cadherin gene in Drosophila contains three pairs of mutually-exclusive alternatively-spliced exons (MEs). However, no significant differences among the resulting protein isoforms have been successfully demonstrated in vivo. Furthermore, while the N-Cadherin gene products exhibit a complex spatiotemporal expression pattern within embryos, its underlying mechanisms and significance remain unknown. Here, we present results that suggest a critical role for alternative splicing in producing a crucial and reproducible complexity in the expression pattern of arthropod N-Cadherin. We demonstrate that the arthropod N-Cadherin gene has maintained the three sets of MEs for over 400 million years using in silico and in vivo approaches. Expression of isoforms derived from these MEs receives precise spatiotemporal control critical during development. Both Drosophila and Tribolium use ME-13a and ME-13b in “neural” and “mesodermal” splice variants, respectively. As proteins, either ME-13a- or ME-13b-containing isoform can cell-autonomously rescue the embryonic lethality caused by genetic loss of N-Cadherin. Ectopic muscle expression of either isoform beyond the time it normally ceases leads to paralysis and lethality. Together, our results offer an example of well-conserved alternative splicing increasing cellular diversity in metazoans.

Hematopoietic Stem Cells Do Not Depend on N-Cadherin to Regulate Their Maintenance

According to the "osteoblastic niche" model, hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are maintained by N-cadherin-mediated homophilic adhesion to osteoblasts at the bone marrow endosteum. In contrast to this model, we cannot detect N-cadherin expression by HSCs, and most HSCs do not localize to the endosteal surface. It has nonetheless been suggested that HSCs express low levels of N-cadherin that regulate HSC maintenance. To test this, we conditionally deleted N-cadherin from HSCs and other hematopoietic cells in adult Mx-1-Cre(+)N-cadherin(fl/-) mice. N-cadherin deficiency had no detectable effect on HSC maintenance or hematopoiesis. N-cadherin deficiency did not affect bone marrow cellularity or lineage composition, the numbers of colony-forming progenitors, the frequency of HSCs, the ability of HSCs to sustain hematopoiesis over time, or their ability to reconstitute irradiated mice in primary or secondary transplants. Loss of N-cadherin does not lead to HSC depletion. N-cadherin expression by HSCs is not necessary for niche function.

A δ-Catenin Signaling Pathway Leading to Dendritic Protrusions

Delta-catenin is a synaptic adherens junction protein pivotally positioned to serve as a signaling sensor and integrator. Expression of delta-catenin induces filopodia-like protrusions in neurons. Here we show that the small GTPases of the Rho family act coordinately as downstream effectors of delta-catenin. A dominant negative Rac prevented delta-catenin-induced protrusions, and Cdc42 activity was dramatically increased by delta-catenin expression. A kinase dead LIMK (LIM kinase) and a mutant Cofilin also prevented delta-catenin-induced protrusions. To link the effects of delta-catenin to a physiological pathway, we noted that (S)-3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG) activation of metabotropic glutamate receptors induced dendritic protrusions that are very similar to those induced by delta-catenin. Furthermore, delta-catenin RNA-mediated interference can block the induction of dendritic protrusions by DHPG. Interestingly, DHPG dissociated PSD-95 and N-cadherin from the delta-catenin complex, increased the association of delta-catenin with Cortactin, and induced the phosphorylation of delta-catenin within the sites that bind to these protein partners.

Trypanosoma cruzi alters adherens junctions in cardiomyocytes

We analyzed the distribution and expression of cadherin and β-catenin during Trypanosoma cruzi–cardiomyocyte interaction. Confocal microscopy revealed cadherin associated with β-catenin at the cell–cell contacts. After 24 h of infection, the spatial distribution and expression of both adherens junction (AJ) proteins remained unaltered. In contrast, loss of N-cadherin–catenin complex was visualized in highly infected cardiomyocytes. Immunoblotting assays corroborated the spatial disorder, showing a 46% reduction in both N-cadherin and β-catenin expression at later infection (72 h of infection). Our data demonstrate that T. cruzi infection disturbs AJs, which can result in loss of cardiac tension and may contribute to the cardiac dysfunctions present in T. cruzi infection.

Promoter methylation is associated with the age-dependent loss of N-cadherin in the rat kidney

The cadherins are cell adhesion molecules required for cellular homeostasis, and N-cadherin is the predominant cadherin expressed in proximal tubular epithelial cells in humans and rats. Our laboratory previously reported an age-dependent decrease in renal N-cadherin expression; the levels of N-cadherin mRNA and protein expression decreased in parallel, implicating a transcriptional mechanism in the age-dependent loss of expression (19). In this study, we examined the hypothesis that promoter hypermethylation underlies the loss of N-cadherin expression in aging rat kidney. We cloned the 5' flanking region of the rat N-cadherin gene and observed basic promoter activity in a 3,992-bp region localized immediately upstream of the ATG start site. Nucleotide analysis revealed 87% identity with the human N-cadherin minimal promoter region. Consistent with a role for regulation by DNA methylation, we found that a dense CpG island, which spans 1,104 bp (-1,158 to -55), flanks the rat N-cadherin gene; a similar CpG profile was found in the human N-cadherin 5' flanking region. Methylation-specific PCR analysis demonstrated that the promoter region of N-cadherin is heavily methylated in aged, but not young, rat kidney. Interestingly, the promoter is not methylated in age-matched, calorically restricted animals. In contrast, the promoter region is not methylated in either young or aged rat liver; this corresponds to the finding that aging is not associated with decreased N-cadherin expression in the liver. In addition, N-cadherin expression is markedly induced in NRK-52E cells treated with the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine, further suggesting that methylation at CpG in the promoter region may underlie the age-dependent decrease in renal N-cadherin expression.

Accentuated Ovariectomy-Induced Bone Loss and Altered Osteogenesis in Heterozygous N-Cadherin Null Mice

Ovariectomy-induced bone loss is accentuated in mice with germline Cdh2 haploinsufficiency, the result of a decreased osteoblastogenesis in the face of normal osteoclast number. Reduced N-cadherin abundance in these mice decreases cell-cell adhesion and alters signaling pathways important for osteoblast commitment and differentiation, thus providing in vivo evidence that N-cadherin-mediated cell-cell interactions are involved in homeostatic responses to increased bone remodeling. We have shown that targeted expression of a dominant negative truncated form of N-cadherin (Cdh2) delays acquisition of peak bone mass in mice and retards osteoblast differentiation. We tested the role of this molecule in the skeletal homeostatic response to ovariectomy in mice with germline Cdh2 haploinsufficiency. Heterozygous Cdh2 null (Cdh2+/-) and wildtype mice were ovariectomized and followed up to 13 weeks by in vivo radiodensitometric and ex vivo histologic assessment of bone mass and turnover. Cells isolated from wildtype and Cdh2+/- mice were used to determine the alterations in bone cell function produced by partial loss of N-cadherin. Bone mass was not significantly different between Cdh2+/- and wildtype littermates, but on ovariectomy, bone loss in Cdh2+/- mice was initially slower, but with time it became significantly greater than in wildtype mice. This accentuated bone loss was associated with lower osteoblast number and serum osteocalcin levels, with no differences in bone resorption. Although development of calcified nodules was faster in calvaria cells isolated from Cdh2+/- mice relative to Cdh2+/+ cells, bone marrow osteogenic precursors were lower in the former than in the latter genotypes. Cdh2 expression was downregulated with differentiation in wildtype calvaria cells, whereas cadherin-11 abundance remained unchanged. Furthermore, cell-cell adhesion (postconfluence) was decreased among heterozygous calvaria cells, as was cell proliferation (preconfluence), relative to wildtype cells. Finally, the abundance and cellular distribution of beta-catenin was minimally decreased in Cdh2+/- cells, whereas mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling was more active in Cdh2 insufficient cells. Cdh2 is involved in the homeostatic bone formation response to ovariectomy, presumably by regulating osteoprogenitors number and differentiation through stabilization of cell-cell adhesion and/or signaling modulation.

N-cadherin is required for neural crest remodeling of the cardiac outflow tract

Cardiac neural crest cells undergo extensive cell rearrangements during the formation of the aorticopulmonary septum in the outflow tract. However, the morphogenetic mechanisms involved in this fundamental process remain poorly understood. To determine the function of the Ca2+-dependent cell adhesion molecule, N-cadherin, in murine neural crest, we applied the Cre/loxP system and created mouse embryos genetically mosaic for N-cadherin. Specifically, deletion of N-cadherin in neural crest cells led to embryonic lethality with distinct cardiovascular defects. Neural crest cell migration and homing to the cardiac outflow tract niche were unaffected by loss of N-cadherin. However, N-cadherin-deficient neural crest cells were unable to undergo the normal morphogenetic changes associated with outflow tract remodeling, resulting in persistent truncus arteriosus in the majority of mutant embryos. Other mutant embryos initiated aorticopulmonary septum formation; however, the neural crest cells were unable to elongate and align properly along the midline and remained rounded with limited contact with their neighbors. Interestingly, rotation of the outflow tract was incomplete in these mutants suggesting that alignment of the channels is dependent on N-cadherin-generated cytoskeletal forces. A second cardiac phenotype was observed where loss of N-cadherin in the epicardium led to disruption of heterotypic cell interactions between the epicardium and myocardium resulting in a thinned ventricular myocardium. Thus, we conclude that in addition to its role in myocardial cell adhesion, N-cadherin is required for neural crest cell rearrangements critical for patterning of the cardiac outflow tract and in the maintenance of epicardial–myocardial cell interactions.

Role of N‐cadherin in Schwann cell precursors of growing nerves

In the present paper, we determine the localization and developmental regulation of N-cadherin in embryonic rat nerves and examine the role of N-cadherin in this system. We also identify a major transition in the architecture of embryonic nerves and relating it to N-cadherin expression. We find that in early embryonic nerves, N-cadherin is primarily expressed in Schwann cell precursors. Pronounced expression is seen at distal nerve fronts where these cells associate with growth cones, and the proximal nerve ends, in boundary cap cells. Unexpectedly, N-cadherin is downregulated as precursors generate Schwann cells, coinciding with the time at which most axons make target connections. Therefore, glial N-cadherin expression is essentially restricted to the period of axon outgrowth. We also provide evidence that N-cadherin supports the formation of contacts between Schwann cell precursors and show that these cells are a favorable substrate for axon growth, unlike N-cadherin-negative Schwann cells. Induction of N-cadherin expression in Schwann cells by neuregulin-1 restores their ability to form contacts and support axon growth. Finally, we show that the loss of glial N-cadherin during embryonic nerve development is accompanied by a transformation of nerve architecture, involving the appearance of endoneurial connective tissue space, fibroblasts, Schwann cell basal lamina, and blood vessels. Because N-cadherin is likely to promote the extensive glial contacts typical of the compact embryonic nerve, we suggest that N-cadherin loss at the time of Schwann cell generation allows endoneurial space to appear between the glial cells, a development that eventually permits the extensive interactions between connective tissue and individual axon-Schwann cell units necessary for myelination.