Cdh2 stabilizes FGFR1 and contributes to primed-state pluripotency in mouse epiblast stem cells

Sci Rep. 2015 Sep 30:5:14722. doi: 10.1038/srep14722.

Abstract

The cell adhesion molecule Cadherin 2 (Cdh2) plays important roles in somatic cell adhesion, proliferation and migration. Cdh2 is also highly expressed in mouse epiblast stem cells (mEpiSCs), but its function in these cells is unknown. To understand the function of Cdh2 in mEpiSCs, we compared the expression of pluripotency-related genes in mEpiSCs and mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) after either Cdh2 knockdown or Cdh2 over-expression. Introduction of specific siRNA against Cdh2 led to attenuation of pluripotency-related genes. Pluripotent gene expression was not recovered by over-expression of Cdh1 following Cdh2 knockdown. Western blot analysis and co-immunoprecipitation assays revealed that Cdh2 stabilizes FGFR1 in mEpiSCs. Furthermore, stable transfection of mESCs with Cdh2 cDNA followed by FGF2 supplementation accelerated cell differentiation. Thus, Cdh2 contributes to the establishment and maintenance of FGF signaling-dependent self-renewal in mEpiSCs through stabilization of FGFR1.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cadherins / genetics
  • Cadherins / metabolism*
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Embryonic Stem Cells / cytology
  • Embryonic Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 / metabolism
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 / pharmacology
  • Gene Expression
  • Germ Layers / cytology*
  • Mice
  • Phosphorylation
  • Pluripotent Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Pluripotent Stem Cells / metabolism*
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Stability
  • Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 1 / metabolism*

Substances

  • Cadherins
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 2
  • Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 1