An LRR Receptor-Teneurin System Directs Planar Polarity at Compartment Boundaries

Area of Science:

• Cell Biology
• Developmental Biology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Epithelial cells self-organize using spatial cues from cell-surface receptors.
• Toll-related receptors guide planar polarized cell rearrangements during Drosophila convergent extension.
• Additional polarity mechanisms exist beyond Toll receptor activity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify novel spatial cues and receptors involved in epithelial cell polarity.
• To elucidate the role of Tartan and Ten-m in directing cell organization.
• To understand how these systems integrate to guide cell behavior.

Main Methods:

• In vitro interaction assays for Tartan and Ten-m extracellular domains.
• In vivo analysis of Tartan and Ten-m localization and function in Drosophila.
• Induction of ectopic Tartan and Ten-m expression to assess functional consequences.

Main Results:

• Tartan and Ten-m function as critical polarity signals at epithelial compartment boundaries.
• Tartan and Ten-m interact and Tartan promotes Ten-m localization in vivo.
• These receptors are essential for planar polarity and organization of compartment boundary cells.
• Ectopic Tartan and Ten-m induce myosin accumulation, demonstrating their role in directing cell behavior.

Conclusions:

• The Tartan/Ten-m system is a key regulator of epithelial cell polarity and organization.
• Tartan and Ten-m collaborate with Toll receptors to establish a high-resolution spatial cue network.
• This integrated network precisely guides cell behavior during convergent extension.