β1‐integrin controls cell fate specification in early lens development

M Pathania, Y Wang, VN Simirskii, MK Duncan - Differentiation, 2016 - Elsevier
Integrins are heterodimeric cell surface molecules that mediate cell-extracellular matrix
(ECM) adhesion, ECM assembly, and regulation of both ECM and growth factor induced
signaling. However, the developmental context of these diverse functions is not clear. Loss
of β1-integrin from the lens vesicle (mouse E10. 5) results in abnormal exit of anterior lens
epithelial cells (LECs) from the cell cycle and their aberrant elongation toward the
presumptive cornea by E12. 5. These cells lose expression of LEC markers and initiate …