β-catenin is a multifunctional protein that acts both as a downstream mediator of the Wnt signalling pathway and as a core component of adherens junctions. It is also widely expressed during development. Consequently, dissecting out the specific functions of β-catenin in particular contexts can be challenging. Shigetomo Fukuhara, Naoki Mochizuki and colleagues now report a transgenic zebrafish line that allows the visualisation of β-catenin activity in living tissues (p. 497). They use this line to investigate the role of β-catenin in vascular development, finding that it plays a key role in formation of the caudal vein (CV). Surprisingly, β-catenin activity in this context appears to be independent of Wnt signalling, and instead is regulated by the BMP pathway. They further identify Aggf1 as a putative BMP target that cooperates with β-catenin to activate downstream gene expression in the CV. Finally, the authors show that expression of the orphan nuclear receptor Nr2f2, which is known to be involved in vein specification, is dependent on β-catenin and Aggf1, thus providing insights into the mechanisms by which BMP-dependent β-catenin activity regulates CV development.
Reporting on β-catenin in the vasculature
- Split-screen
- Views Icon Views
-
Article Versions Icon
Versions
- Version of Record 01 February 2015
- Share Icon Share
-
Tools Icon
Tools
- Search Site
Reporting on β-catenin in the vasculature. Development 1 February 2015; 142 (3): e0303. doi:
Download citation file:
Advertisement
Cited by
The Forest of Biologists

The Forest of Biologists is a biodiversity initiative created by The Company of Biologists, with support from the Woodland Trust. For every Research and Review article published in Development a native tree is planted in a UK forest. In addition to this we are protecting and restoring ancient woodland and are dedicating these trees to our peer reviewers. Visit our virtual forest to learn more.
Propose a new Workshop for 2025

Do you have an idea for a Workshop? We are now accepting proposals for our 2025 Biologists Workshops programme. As the scientific organiser, your involvement will be focused on the science. We'll take care of all the logistics. In 2025 we'll continue our efforts to diversify our Workshop programme and will be reserving one of our Workshops for an application from a Global South (GS) country to host an event overseas.
Development presents… Outstanding Paper Prize Finalists

On Wednesday 19 April, Development hosted a webinar celebrating the finalists for Development’s Inaugural Outstanding Paper Prize. The talks and Q&As were hosted by our Deputy Editor, Steve Wilson (UCL).
Development Journal Meeting 2023

The Abstract deadline for our 2023 Journal Meeting ‘Unconventional and Emerging Experimental Organisms in Cell and Developmental Biology’ is 23 June 2023. Find out more and apply here
Keeping up with the Node

Thirteen years on from its launch, the Node continues to be a place to share research stories, opinions, job adverts and event listings. Development have published a recent Editorial reviewing some of our most popular features, as well as introducing some new initiatives.