Dominant negative N-cadherin inhibits osteoclast differentiation by interfering with β-catenin regulation of RANKL, independent of cell-cell adhesion

We studied the effects of dominant negative N-cadherin (NCad Delta C) expression in ST2 cells on their ability to support osteoclastogenesis. Expression of NCad Delta C in ST2 cells did not decrease cell-to-cell adhesion but significantly reduced osteoclast formation when co-cultured with BMMs. NCad Delta C inhibited beta-catenin/TCF signaling, resulting in decreased RANKL expression, which could contribute to the reduced osteoclast formation.