Tight junctions (TJ) act as hubs for intracellular signaling pathways controlling epithelial cell fate and function. Deregulation of TJ is a hallmark of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which contributes to carcinoma progression and metastasis. However, the signaling mechanisms linking TJ to the induction of EMT are not understood.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor (CXADR (CAR)) is a cell adhesion molecule expressed mainly in epithelial cells. Numerous evidence indicate that CXADR has an important role in testis development and function of the blood-testis barrier (BTB) in vitro. The role of CXADR in testis physiology in vivo has, however, not been addressed.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe coxsackie- and adenovirus receptor (CAR) is a cell adhesion molecule predominantly associated with epithelial tight junctions in adult tissues. CAR is also expressed in cardiomyocytes and essential for heart development up to embryonic day 11.5, but not thereafter.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFTo determine the normal function of the Coxsackievirus and Adenovirus Receptor (CAR), a protein found in tight junctions and other intercellular complexes, we constructed a mouse line in which the CAR gene could be disrupted at any chosen time point in a broad spectrum of cell types and tissues. All knockouts examined displayed a dilated intestinal tract and atrophy of the exocrine pancreas with appearance of tubular complexes characteristic of acinar-to-ductal metaplasia. The mice also exhibited a complete atrio-ventricular block and abnormal thymopoiesis.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor (CAR) is a cell adhesion molecule expressed in epithelial tight junctions and other cell-cell contacts. Using indirect immunofluorescence, quantitative RT-PCR, and Western blots, the expression and distribution of CAR in developing and adult testis are examined. CAR is highly expressed in both Sertoli and germ cells during perinatal and postnatal development, followed by a rapid down-regulation of both mRNA and protein levels.
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