Figure 8

Model for the function of N-cadherin in β-catenin activation and cortical development. (A) N-cadherin functions in the activation of β-catenin signaling via AKT-mediated phosphorylation of β-catenin and Wnt-mediated activation of the Wnt co-receptor, LRP6. In Wnt-mediated signaling, N-cadherin is required in a cell-autonomous manner in the responding cell and is involved in signaling via phosphorylation of the Wnt co-receptor LRP6. N-cadherin also functions to stimulate β-catenin signaling via AKT activation and subsequent phosphorylation of β-catenin at Ser 552. (B) In cortical radial glial neural progenitors, N-cadherin regulates epithelial integrity, and enhances Wnt-mediated and AKT-mediated β-catenin activation. Downstream of N-cadherin, AKT signaling functions to promote self-renewal via activation of β-catenin signaling as well as inhibiting apoptosis.