| 3016 The Role of E-cadherin in Submandibular Gland Development | ||
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S. KHALIL1, M. KUKURUZINSKA1, M. HOFFMAN2, J. WALKER3, A.S. MENKO4, and I. REBUSTINI2, 1Boston University, MA, USA, 2NIDCR, Bethesda, MD, USA, 3Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA, 4Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, USA Objectives: The submandibular gland (SMG) develops through branching morphogenesis from an epithelial bud into an array of ducts terminating in the secretory acini. Here, we demonstrate essential roles for E-cadherin in the formation of acinar and ductal structures. Methods: Mouse submandibular glands were isolated and cultured. Results: Immunofluorescence staining of F-actin, Ki67 and a neonatal acinar marker B1 revealed three cell populations in the developing buds: 1) the outer layer with proliferative polarized acinar progenitors, 2) the adjacent proliferative unpolarized cells, and 3) the nonproliferative differentiating duct cells. E-cadherin was essential for new bud formation because function blocking antibodies against E-cadherin ectodomains (ECs), EC1, EC2 and EC5 suppressed budding. E-cadherin was required for the expansion of acinar progenitors and the adjacent cells since antibodies to EC5 inhibited proliferation. E-cadherin was also critical for the survival of differentiating duct cells, since antibodies to EC2 and EC5 abolished duct development and induced apoptosis. Conclusion: These data provide insights into E-cadherin functions during SMG development and suggest that different ectodomains mediate distinct cellular responses. Grant sponsor: NIH; Grant number: DE014437, DE010183 | ||
| Seq #254 - Late Breaking News - Posters 3:30 PM-4:45 PM, Thursday, March 22, 2007 Ernest N. Morial Convention Center Exhibit Hall I2-J | ||
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