Heterocellular interaction enhances recruitment of α and β-catenins and ZO-2 into functional gap-junction complexes and induces gap junction-dependant differentiation of mammary epithelial cells

Rabih S. Talhouk, Rana Mroue, Mayssa Mokalled, Lina Abi-Mosleh, Ralda Nehme, Ayman Ismail, Antoine Khalil, Mira Zaatari, Marwan E. El-Sabban

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

51 Scopus citations

Abstract

Gap junctions (GJ) are required for mammary epithelial differentiation. Using epithelial (SCp2) and myoepithelial-like (SCg6) mouse-derived mammary cells, the role of heterocellular interaction in assembly of GJ complexes and functional differentiation (β-casein expression) was evaluated. Heterocellular interaction is critical for β-casein expression, independent of exogenous basement membrane or cell anchoring substrata. Functional differentiation of SCp2, co-cultured with SCg6, is more sensitive to GJ inhibition relative to homocellular SCp2 cultures differentiated by exogenous basement membrane. Connexin (Cx)32 and Cx43 levels were not regulated across culture conditions; however, GJ functionality was enhanced under differentiation-permissive conditions. Immunoprecipitation studies demonstrated association of junctional complex components (α-catenin, β-catenin and ZO-2) with Cx32 and Cx43, in differentiation conditions, and additionally with Cx30 in heterocellular cultures. Although β-catenin did not shuttle between cadherin and GJ complexes, increased association between connexins and β-catenin in heterocellular cultures was observed. This was concomitant with reduced nuclear β-catenin, suggesting that differentiation in heterocellular cultures involves sequestration of β-catenin in GJ complexes.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)3275-3291
Number of pages17
JournalExperimental Cell Research
Volume314
Issue number18
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 1 2008

Keywords

  • Catenin
  • Connexins
  • Lactation
  • Zonula adherens

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cell Biology

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