Putative Roles of Planar Cell Polarity Proteins in the Establishment and Regulation of Asymmetric Cell Division
Year: 2010
Type: dissertation
Abstract: During animal development, cells need to grow, divide and differentiate according to\nthe body plan. To do so, cells utilize complex mechanisms to polarize themselves \nasymmetrically on the apical-basal axis, but also within the plane of the tissue, known \nas planar cell polarity (PCP). In order to establish an axis for oriented division, \nasymmetrically segregate cell fate determinants and orient the mitotic spindle, the \ncells use PCP to align themselves with the body plan. How PCP regulates asymmetric \ndivision and spindle orientation is unknown at the moment. Recent data suggest an \nimportant role for the PCP core proteins Frizzled, Van Gogh/Strabismus and \nFlamingo/Starry Night in aligning the spindle to the axis of division. However, the \nexact mechanism remains to be resolved. In this thesis, current models on how cells \nestablish polarity, PCP and orient the mitotic spindle to ensure correct asymmetric \ndivision will be reviewed. Furthermore, current important questions in the field of \nPCP research nowadays will be discussed.
Author: Marten Hornsveld
Language: English
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W652710715