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Rabs set the stage for polarity.

Sara S Parker1, Christopher Cox1, Jean M Wilson1

  • 1a Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine , University of Arizona , Tucson , AZ , USA.

Small Gtpases
|January 27, 2017
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Summary

Cell polarity, the asymmetric distribution of cellular components, relies on Rab GTPases for directed membrane trafficking. This review explores conserved and divergent Rab functions in establishing cell polarity across diverse cell types.

Keywords:
epitheliaimmune cellsneuronspolarityrab

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Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Cell polarity is crucial for specialized cellular functions, including epithelial barriers, nerve signaling, and immune responses.
  • The establishment and maintenance of cell polarity depend on the directed trafficking of membrane proteins and lipids.
  • Rab GTPases are key regulators of this trafficking process.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of Rab GTPases in establishing and maintaining cell polarity.
  • To highlight the conserved and divergent functions of Rabs across diverse cell types.
  • To explore the effector proteins utilized by Rabs in polarity regulation.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on cell polarity and Rab GTPase function.
  • Comparative analysis of Rab conservation and functional evolution in eukaryotes.
  • Examination of Rab effector proteins involved in polarity establishment.

Main Results:

  • Rab GTPases are fundamental to cell polarity across eukaryotes, with their repertoire expanding with cellular complexity.
  • Conserved Rab functions are evident across diverse cell types, indicating fundamental roles.
  • Rab proteins interact with various effectors, including scaffolding proteins and cytoskeletal motors, to mediate polarity.

Conclusions:

  • Rab GTPases are essential, conserved regulators of cell polarity.
  • Understanding Rab function provides insights into cellular organization and specialization.
  • Further research into Rab effectors can uncover novel mechanisms of polarity control.