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Updated: May 27, 2026

Isolation of Whole Cell Protein Lysates from Mouse Facial Processes and Cultured Palatal Mesenchyme Cells for Phosphoprotein Analysis
Published on: April 1, 2022
Planar cell polarity signaling in craniofacial development
Jacek Topczewski1, Rodney M Dale, Barbara E Sisson
1Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Memorial Research Center, Chicago, IL, USA. j-topczewski@northwestern.edu
Planar cell polarity (PCP) signaling is crucial for craniofacial development, influencing neural crest migration and skull formation. This review highlights conserved and tissue-specific roles of PCP signaling in vertebrate development.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Planar cell polarity (PCP) signaling regulates cell orientation and tissue patterning.
- Its role in vertebrate craniofacial development is not fully understood.
- PCP pathway members are conserved but can exhibit tissue-specific functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of PCP signaling in vertebrate craniofacial development.
- To highlight its involvement in cranial neural crest migration, skull, and palate formation.
- To discuss non-traditional modulators of PCP signaling in this context.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research.
- Analysis of conserved and divergent roles of PCP pathway components.
- Focus on craniofacial developmental processes.
Main Results:
- PCP signaling is essential for proper cranial neural crest cell migration.
- It plays a critical role in the formation of the skull and palate.
- Non-canonical modulators significantly impact PCP pathway activity during development.
Conclusions:
- PCP signaling is a key regulator of vertebrate craniofacial development.
- Understanding its tissue-specific mechanisms is vital for further research.
- Further investigation into non-traditional modulators may reveal new therapeutic targets.
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