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A Microfluidics Approach for the Functional Investigation of Signaling Oscillations Governing Somitogenesis
Published on: March 19, 2021
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Cell cycle oscillations in a polarity network facilitate state switching by morphogenetic cues
KangBo Ng1,2,3, Hadjar Sebaa1,4, Nisha Hirani1
1The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, NW1 1AT, London, UK.
Biorxiv : the Preprint Server for Biology
|November 24, 2025
Summary
C. elegans germline blastomeres use cell-cycle oscillations to balance stable cell polarity with sensitivity to developmental cues. This dynamic system ensures proper cell form and function during development.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Cell polarity establishment is crucial for morphogenesis, requiring stable yet adaptable polarity domains.
- Cells must coordinate internal polarity networks with external developmental cues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how C. elegans germline blastomeres balance polarity stability with responsiveness to cues.
- To elucidate the role of cell-cycle regulation in dynamic polarity establishment.
Main Methods:
- Utilized optogenetic and chemical perturbations in C. elegans.
- Analyzed the interplay between the PAR polarity network and the cell-cycle kinase CDK-1.
- Modeled the time-varying polarization landscape.
Main Results:
- Coupling PAR network to CDK-1 creates a low-feedback state in newborn cells, facilitating polarity switching.
- Rising CDK-1 activity at mitotic entry reinforces asymmetries, leading to stable PAR domain patterning.
- Low-CDK/low-feedback states are essential for de novo polarization and reorientation.
Conclusions:
- Mitotic oscillations in cell polarity circuits dynamically optimize polarization for morphogenesis.
- Temporal control balances cellular state robustness with signal-induced switching sensitivity.
- This mechanism may be general for developmental networks.
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