Anterior-posterior polarity in C. elegans and Drosophila--PARallels and differences
Jason Pellettieri1, Geraldine Seydoux
1Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
Abstract:
The eggs of Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila bear little similarity to each other, yet both depend on the par genes for control of anterior-posterior polarity. Here we explore possible common roles for the par genes (pars) in converting transient asymmetries into stably polarized axes. Although clear mechanistic parallels remain to be established, par-dependent regulation of microtubule dynamics and protein stability emerge as common themes.
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