The Wnt/PCP Formin Daam1 Drives Cell-Cell Adhesion during Nephron Development

Authors

Vanja Krneta-Stankic
Mark E Corkins
Adriana Paulucci-Holthauzen
Malgorzata Kloc
Andrew B Gladden
Rachel K Miller

Publication Date

7-6-2021

Journal

Cell Reports

Abstract

E-cadherin junctions facilitate assembly and disassembly of cell contacts that drive development and homeostasis of epithelial tissues. In this study, using Xenopus embryonic kidney and Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells, we investigate the role of the Wnt/planar cell polarity (PCP) formin Daam1 (Dishevelled-associated activator of morphogenesis 1) in regulating E-cadherin-based intercellular adhesion. Using live imaging, we show that Daam1 localizes to newly formed cell contacts in the developing nephron. Furthermore, analyses of junctional filamentous actin (F-actin) upon Daam1 depletion indicate decreased microfilament localization and slowed turnover. We also show that Daam1 is necessary for efficient and timely localization of junctional E-cadherin, mediated by Daam1's formin homology domain 2 (FH2). Finally, we establish that Daam1 signaling promotes organized movement of renal cells. This study demonstrates that Daam1 formin junctional activity is critical for epithelial tissue organization.

Keywords

Actins, Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing, Animals, Cadherins, Cell Adhesion, Dogs, Embryo, Nonmammalian, Female, Green Fluorescent Proteins, HEK293 Cells, Humans, Imaging, Three-Dimensional, Madin Darby Canine Kidney Cells, Male, Nephrons, Protein Domains, Protein Transport, Xenopus Proteins, Xenopus laevis

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Supplementary Materials

PMID: 34233186