Fig. 4

Cdh2 Bimodally Regulates ECM Assembly through Distinct Molecular Mechanisms

(A) MZitgα5^-/-;cdh2^mo embryos exhibit decreased dorsal ECM assembly and increased ectopic mesenchymal ECM.

(B and C) In mosaic embryos, mesenchymal ECM forms in either Cdh2^– hosts (B) or donor clones (C), but not among Cdh2⁺ neighboring cells.

(D) Schematic of the Cdh2Δβ-Cat (Δβcat) construct in which Cdh2 is fused directly to α-catenin, thus mediating adhesion without binding β-catenin.

(E) Δβcat stimulates FN matrix assembly to the same extent as full-length Cdh2 (p > 0.25) but does not inhibit FN matrix assembly (p < 0.0001). caMRLC also stimulates FN matrix assembly (p < 0.0001) to the same extent as full-length Cdh2 and Cdh2Δβ-Cat (p > 0. 25). n, number of clones examined. Mean values indicated ± SEM. Scale bars, 20 µm. p values were determined by t test.

(F) A model schematic showing graded stable Cdh2 levels inhibiting boundary formation at Eph/ephrin interfaces within somites while differential levels of stable Cdh2 promote boundary formation at Eph/ephrin interfaces between somites.

See also Figure S3.