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The PCP pathway regulates Baz planar distribution in epithelial cells
Benoit Aigouy1, André Le Bivic1
1Aix Marseille Univ., CNRS, Institute of Developmental Biology of Marseille (IBDM), case 907, 13288 Marseille cedex 09, France.
Scientific Reports
|September 15, 2016
Summary
Epithelial cells exhibit unexpected protein organization. Key adherens junction proteins like Bazooka are found on only one side of cell interfaces, revealing novel insights into cell polarity.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Epithelial Biology
Background:
- Apico-basal polarity protein localization along the Z-axis is understood.
- Planar distribution of these proteins within epithelial sheets remains poorly characterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically describe the planar localization of apico-basal polarity proteins.
- To investigate the factors controlling protein distribution in the Drosophila ommatidial epithelium.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism.
- Performed detailed microscopic analysis of protein distribution in epithelial cells.
Main Results:
- Adherens junction proteins Shotgun and Armadillo, and baso-lateral complexes are bilateral (present on both sides of interfaces).
- Bazooka and Spaghetti squash (myosin regulatory light chain) are unilateral (present on one side of interfaces).
- Planar cell polarity (PCP) pathways, not apical determinants (Crumbs, Par-6), regulate Bazooka unilaterality in cone cells.
Conclusions:
- Reveals an unexpected organization of apico-basal, cytoskeletal, and planar polarity proteins.
- Demonstrates asymmetric protein distribution across cell-cell interfaces.
- Highlights unique protein combinations at different cellular contacts within the same cell.
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