Analysis of EPLIN function in early embryonic development and mouse ES cells

E-钙粘附素介导的细胞黏附是胚胎发育所必需的，也是桑椹胚致密和囊胚形成所必需的。这些形态发生过程与发育中的小鼠胚胎中第一批细胞类型的建立是一致的。E-钙粘附素通过EPLIN(上皮蛋白在肿瘤中丢失)与细胞骨架的连接在体外得到了广泛的研究，主要是在肿瘤细胞系中，但EPLIN在体内的功能尚未确定。以小鼠为模型系统，我们想要阐明EPLIN在小鼠胚胎干细胞早期胚胎发生、维持和分化中的潜在作用，并为分析EPLIN在成人组织中的功能提供工具。

E-cadherin mediated cell adhesion is essential for embryonic development and is specifically required for morula compaction and blastocyst formation. These morphogenic processes coincide with the establishment of the first cell types in the developing mouse embryo. E-cadherin connection to the cytoskeleton via EPLIN (Epithelial Protein Lost In Neoplasm) is extensively studied in vitro, mainly in cancer cell lines, however EPLIN function in vivo is not characterized. Using the mouse as a model system, we want to elucidate a potential role of EPLIN in early embryogenesis, maintenance and differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells, as well as to generate tools for analyzing EPLIN function in adult tissues.