Epithelial Wnt/β-catenin signaling regulates palatal shelf fusion through regulation of Tgfβ3 expression

► The canonical Wnt signaling activity is detected in the MEE of developing palate. ► Epithelial inactivation of Catnb causes Tgfβ3 downregulation and clefting of palate. ► Exogenous Tgfβ3 rescues fusion defect of the K14Cre;CatnbF/F palate in vitro. ► Ectopic activation of Wnt canonical signaling leads to ectopic Tgfβ3 expression. ► Wnt/β-catenin signaling acts in the palatal epithelium to control palate fusion.