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Updated: Jun 4, 2026

Evaluation of Planar-Cell-Polarity Phenotypes in Ciliopathy Mouse Mutant Cochlea
Published on: February 21, 2016
Elaborating polarity: PAR proteins and the cytoskeleton
Jeremy Nance1, Jennifer A Zallen
1Helen L. and Martin S. Kimmel Center for Biology and Medicine at the Skirball Institute for Biomolecular Medicine, NYU School of Medicine, 540 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA. jeremy.nance@med.nyu.edu
PAR proteins establish cell polarity by creating cortical landmarks that control asymmetric cell division and organization. This review highlights their links with cytoskeletal proteins in C. elegans and Drosophila.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Cell polarity is crucial for asymmetric cell division, subcellular organization, and multicellular development.
- PAR proteins are key regulators of cell polarity, forming cortical landmarks.
- These landmarks establish dynamic asymmetries in effector protein distribution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent findings on PAR proteins in cell polarity.
- To emphasize the interplay between PAR networks and cytoskeletal proteins.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies in C. elegans and Drosophila.
Main Results:
- PAR proteins are conserved polarity regulators.
- PAR networks interact with cytoskeletal proteins.
- Cytoskeletal proteins regulate PAR localization and act as downstream effectors.
Conclusions:
- PAR proteins and cytoskeletal interactions are fundamental to establishing and elaborating cell polarity.
- Understanding these networks is vital for comprehending cell division and tissue organization.
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