Lumen formation in the heart depends on specific sites of adhesion and de-adhesion between contralateral CBs

We propose that Slit/Robo signaling is required to maintain de-adhesion along the central apical domain of contralateral CBs. In wild-type embryos, CBs are specifically adhered at dorsal and ventral attachment points where E-Cad accumulates. Between these points, the apical membranes of the CBs are repelled from each other, allowing for the formation of a lumen. In LOF or GOF embryos, contralateral CBs remain adhered to each other, resulting in a block in lumen formation and an apical accumulation of E-Cad.<p><b>Copyright information:</b></p><p>Taken from "Repulsion by Slit and Roundabout prevents Shotgun/E-cadherin–mediated cell adhesion during heart tube lumen formation"</p><p></p><p>The Journal of Cell Biology 2008;182(2):241-248.</p><p>Published online 28 Jul 2008</p><p>PMCID:PMC2483515.</p><p>