α-E-Catenin Inactivation Disrupts the Cardiomyocyte Adherens Junction, Resulting in Cardiomyopathy and Susceptibility to Wall Rupture

Abstract

These results demonstrate a clear functional role for alpha-E-catenin in the cadherin/catenin/vinculin complex in the myocardium in vivo. Ablation of alpha-E-catenin within this complex leads to defects in cardiomyocyte structural integrity that result in unique forms of cardiomyopathy and predisposed susceptibility to death after myocardial stress. These studies further highlight the importance of studying the role of alpha-E-catenin in human cardiac injury and cardiomyopathy in the future.