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Published on: July 27, 2022
Cell packing influences planar cell polarity signaling
Dali Ma1, Keith Amonlirdviman, Robin L Raffard
1Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305-5324, USA.
Planar cell polarity (PCP) propagation in Drosophila wings is influenced by cell geometry and boundary signaling. Local feedback and global cues ensure correct polarity despite tissue irregularities.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Epithelial cells exhibit planar cell polarity (PCP) orthogonal to the apical-basal axis.
- A Frizzled-mediated feedback loop coordinates PCP between cells.
- The cadherin Fat orients PCP using global tissue cues.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate how polarity propagates in clones lacking global directional cues.
- Determine the role of cell geometry and boundary signaling in PCP.
- Understand mechanisms ensuring accurate PCP signaling in Drosophila wings.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of polarity propagation in Drosophila wing clones.
- Examination of cell geometry and nonautonomous signaling at clone boundaries.
- Investigating the interplay between global cues and local feedback in PCP.
Main Results:
- Cell geometry and nonautonomous signaling at clone boundaries dictate polarity propagation accuracy.
- Pattern elements and irregular cell geometry impede polarity propagation.
- A combination of global directional cues and local feedback overcomes geometric irregularities.
Conclusions:
- Cell geometry and boundary signaling are critical for accurate PCP propagation in clones lacking global cues.
- The Drosophila wing utilizes integrated mechanisms for robust PCP signaling.
- Understanding PCP is crucial for developmental biology and tissue organization.
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