Apical-basal polarity and the control of epithelial form and function
Clare E Buckley1, Daniel St Johnston2,3
1Department of Physiology, Neuroscience and Development, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
Nature Reviews. Molecular Cell Biology
|April 20, 2022
Summary
Epithelial cells rely on apical-basal polarity for proper form and function. Understanding conserved polarity factors and their interactions is key to tissue development and preventing diseases like cancer.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Epithelial cells form essential sheets and tubes in animals.
- Apical-basal polarity is critical for epithelial cell structure, adhesion, barrier function, and cargo secretion.
- Polarity establishes cell architecture and is vital for organ and tissue development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the fundamental role of apical-basal polarity in epithelial cells.
- To highlight the conserved polarity factors and domains involved in establishing and maintaining epithelial polarity.
- To underscore the importance of understanding polarity mechanisms for developmental biology and disease research.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on epithelial cell polarity.
- Analysis of conserved polarity factors and their domain localization (apical, junctional, lateral).
- Discussion of dynamic interactions between polarity factors.
Main Results:
- Apical-basal polarity is crucial for epithelial cell organization and function.
- Conserved protein complexes (e.g., Crumbs, PAR, Scribble) establish distinct polarity domains.
- Evidence suggests variations in polarity mechanisms across different epithelial types.
Conclusions:
- Elucidating polarity factor interactions is essential for understanding morphogenesis.
- Defects in epithelial polarity are linked to diseases, notably cancer.
- Further research into polarity mechanisms will advance regenerative medicine and cancer therapy.
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