Fig. 5.

Characterization of proliferation/apoptosis, neural/epithelial identity, and ECM production in standard 2KPa MMP-insensitive synthetic matrix. (A) Cysts are highly proliferative at D3, followed by gradual apoptosis mainly at the basal aspect. Proliferation is absent in the Shh region. (B) N-Cadherin is apically-basally polarized in cysts which undergo morphogenesis. E-Cadherin is present in all cysts at D3 and is rapidly lost by D5. E-Cad is still present in some cysts up to D7. (C) Cysts produce laminin and fibronectin, frequently localized at the Shh polarized and apical region of the cyst. (Scale bar: 100 μm.)