Cell polarity control by Wnt morphogens

Area of Science:

• Developmental Biology
• Cell Biology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Cell polarity, essential for cellular function, is influenced by intrinsic and extrinsic factors.
• Wnt glycoproteins, secreted morphogens, regulate cell fate and axon guidance.
• Emerging evidence indicates Wnts also play a role in instructing cell polarization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the literature on cell polarity control by Wnt glycoproteins.
• To emphasize the role of Wnts in cell polarity using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model.
• To summarize recent advances and identify unsolved issues in Wnt-mediated cell polarity.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on Wnt glycoproteins and cell polarity.
• Focus on in vivo studies in Caenorhabditis elegans to verify polarity-inducing factors.
• Analysis of Wnt involvement in asymmetric cell division, neuroblast migration, and axon-dendrite specification.

Main Results:

• Wnts act as directional signals in both embryonic and postembryonic cell lineages, instructing mitotic asymmetry.
• In C. elegans, Wnts polarize neuroblasts, controlling their directional migration.
• Wnts specify axon-dendrite polarity in postmitotic neurons by providing spatial instructions.

Conclusions:

• Wnt glycoproteins are critical regulators of cell polarity across various developmental contexts.
• Studies in C. elegans demonstrate the in vivo importance of Wnts in directing cell asymmetry and neuronal development.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms and scope of Wnt-mediated cell polarity control.