While TGF-b growth factor signaling affects morphogenesis and adhesion properties of cells, the mechanism by which this occurs is unclear. We study the molecular mechanism underlying the process.

TGF-b Signaling-Mediated Cell Adhesion and Morphogenesis

The molecular mechanisms governing cell behaviors underlying morphogenesis remain a major focus of research in both developmental biology and cancer biology. TGF-beta signaling guides cellular morphogenesis in variety of biological contexts, including vertebrate gastrulation. Through DNA microarray experiments, we find that activin/nodal signaling regulates the expression and activities of FLRT3, a putative type I transmembrane protein containing extracellular leucine-rich repeats, and the small GTPase Rnd1. These molecules modulate cadherin function by regulating cadherin’s localization at the cell surface. We found that cell adhesion can be dynamically regulated by sequestering cadherin through internalization and by redeploying internalized cadherin to the cell surface as needed. This finding is intriguing as numerous studies have linked aberrant expression of small GTPases and adhesion molecules such as cadherins to oncogenesis and metastasis, suggesting that this signaling process may have additional roles.

Link to the video-instructions for cell adhesion studies:
Immunofluorescent analysis of cadherin subcellular localization: