Fig. 6. p120^ctn nuclear translocation does not cause the branching phenotype. To address whether the nuclear translocation of p120^ctn stimulates the branching phenotype, we directed ectopic p120^ctn into the nucleus of HeLa cells via a direct C-terminal fusion to the SV40-LTag NLS. In contrast to wild-type p120^ctn (Bi-iii), which strongly induces branching, nuclear-targeted p120^ctn is unable to induce branching (Ci-iii). NLS-defective p120^ctn localizes to the cytosol and does not induce branching (Di-iii). Direct fusion of NLS-defective p120^ctn to the SV40-LTAg NLS is insufficient to rescue branching (Ei-iii), indicating that an intact NLS in p120^ctn is required for this phenomenon. Endogenous and exogenous p120^ctn are detected by pan-specific p120^ctn antibody pp120^ctn (Aii, Bii, Cii, Dii, Eii) to highlight the cell boundaries. Empty vector expressing GFP alone (empty) has no effect on branching and freely diffuses into the nucleus (Ai-iii). Similar results were obtained in NIH 3T3 cells. Bars, 20 µm.