Cadherins and catenins, Wnts and SOXs: embryonic patterning in Xenopus

• Published in: International review of cytology Vol. 203; pp. 291 - 355
• Main Authors: St Amand, A L, Klymkowsky, M W
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 2001
• Subjects: Animals; beta Catenin; Body Patterning - genetics; Cadherins - classification; Cadherins - genetics; Cytoskeletal Proteins - genetics; DNA-Binding Proteins - genetics; Embryo, Nonmammalian - cytology; Embryo, Nonmammalian - embryology; Embryo, Nonmammalian - metabolism; Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental - genetics; High Mobility Group Proteins - genetics; Proto-Oncogene Proteins - genetics; Proto-Oncogene Proteins - metabolism; Signal Transduction - genetics; SOXB1 Transcription Factors; Trans-Activators; Wnt Proteins; Xenopus laevis - embryology; Xenopus laevis - genetics; Xenopus laevis - metabolism; Xenopus Proteins; Zebrafish Proteins
• ISSN: 0074-7696

Wnt signaling plays a critical role in a wide range of developmental and oncogenic processes. Altered gene regulation by the canonical Wnt signaling pathway involves the cytoplasmic stabilization of beta-catenin, a protein critical to the assembly of cadherin-based cell-cell adherence junctions. In addition to binding to cadherins, beta-catenin also interacts with transcription factors of the TCF-subfamily of HMG box proteins and regulates their activity. The Xenopus embryo has proven to be a particularly powerful experimental system in which to study the role of Wnt signaling components in development and differentiation. We review this literature, focusing on the role of Wnt signaling and interacting components in establishing patterns within the early embryo.