Expression of the endogenous galactoside-binding lectin of Xenopus laevis during cranial neural crest development: lectin localization is similar to that of members of the N-CAM and cadherin families of cell adhesion molecules.

Cranial neural crest of Xenopus laevis at different stages of development from neurulation to metamorphosis was studied for the expression of the endogenous galactoside-binding lectin of Xenopus using immunocytochemistry. The presence and localization of members of the N-CAM and cadherin cell adhesion families were also investigated. Lectin and the other known cell adhesion molecules are expressed throughout development and their localization patterns change coordinately depending on the development stage. All the molecules colocalize. The results suggest that all of these molecules, including the lectin, may be involved in cranial development, possibly in cellular adhesion.