CELL POLARITY, ASYMMETRIC DISTRIBUTION OF CELLULAR COMPONENTS

Cell polarity is the intrinsic asymmetry in the organization of cellular components, essential for cell division, migration, and tissue formation. This conserved process plays a critical role in epithelial tissue formation, asymmetric cell division, cell motility, differentiation, and wound healing.

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Apico-basal polarity (epithelial cells). In mammalian epithelial cells, development of an apico-basal polarity
allows the organization of two well defined domains separated by tight junctions.

In slow migrating cells such as fibroblasts, astrocytes and epithelial cells, a polarized organization of intracellular molecules
and structures allow the formation and maintenance of a leading edge with membrane extensions and the retraction
of the rear of the cell. These regulations allow a sustained orientation of migration into the desired direction.

Summary of the main polarity-defining molecules described in this review and involved in various polarity model systems

KEY COMPONENTS OF CELL POLARITY

The signaling pathways involved in establishing and maintaining polarity are complex and interconnected, primarily involving a set of conserved proteins known as the Par proteins, as well as other signaling molecules:

Scribble (Scrib) Complex: Includes Scrib, Lethal giant larvae (Lgl), and Discs large (Dlg). These proteins regulate protein-protein interactions critical for polarity.
Par Complex: The Par proteins (Par3, Par6, and aPKC) regulate the phosphorylation of polarity determinants, influencing their activity and localization.
Crumbs (Crb) Complex: Facilitates interactions between polarizing organelles, cytoskeletal components, and cell fate proteins.
Small GTPases: Proteins like Cdc42, Rac, and Rho are small GTP-binding proteins that play vital roles in regulating the actin cytoskeleton and thus influence cell shape and movement. Cdc42, for instance, is involved in a positive-feedback loop that enhances its own localization at the plasma membrane, leading to actin nucleation and further polarization.
Planar Cell Polarity (PCP): This signaling pathway is essential for coordinating the orientation of cells within a tissue plane. PCP involves the asymmetric localization of signaling components such as Frizzled (Fz) and Dishevelled (Dvl), which help establish directional cues necessary for processes like cilia positioning and collective cell migration.

MECHANISMS OF POLARITY ESTABLISHMENT

Cellular polarity is established through coordinated processes involving:

Extracellular Signals: Neighboring cells and the extracellular matrix provide cues to initiate polarity.
Polarity Complexes: Scribble, Par, and Crumbs complexes regulate protein localization and cytoskeletal organization.
Cytoskeletal Dynamics: Actin and microtubules drive the asymmetric distribution of cellular components.
Kinase and Phosphatase Activity: Enzymes like aPKC ensure precise control of polarity proteins.
Cell-Cell and Cell-ECM Interactions: Adhesion molecules stabilize polarity through membrane anchoring.

These mechanisms ensure proper cell function, tissue organization, and adaptation to environmental cues. Disruptions can lead to diseases like cancer and developmental disorders.

THE ROLE OF CELL POLARITY IN DISEASES

Defects in polarity process are linked to cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and developmental abnormalities. For example:

Loss of polarity can promote tumor growth, especially in epithelial cancers.
Poor regulation of polarity proteins is associated with uncontrolled cell proliferation.

The transition from epithelial to migratory polarity is often observed in invasive cancer cells, highlighting the importance of polarity signaling in tumorigenesis.

SIGNIFICANCE OF CELL POLARITY IN RESEARCH

Understanding the polarity process is crucial for studying embryogenesis, tissue repair, and disease progression. It is influenced by extracellular signals from neighboring cells and the microenvironment, which, when disrupted, can lead to tumorigenesis or other pathologies.

Explore advanced tools and research solutions to investigate cell polarity and its implications for health and disease.

(1) Mastrogiovanni M, et al. Cell polarity regulators, multifunctional organizers of lymphocyte activation and function. Biomed J. (2022);45(2):299-309.

(2) Rust K, Wodarz A. Transcriptional Control of Apical-Basal Polarity Regulators. Int J Mol Sci. (2021);22(22):12340. (2017).

(3) Guzmán-Herrera A, Mao Y. Polarity during tissue repair, a multiscale problem. Curr Opin Cell Biol. (2020); 62: 31–36.

(4) Atashrazm F, Ellis S. The polarity protein PARD3 and cancer. Oncogene. (2021);40(25):4245-4262.

(5) Jossin Y. Molecular mechanisms of cell polarity in a range of model systems and in migrating neurons. Mol Cell Neurosci. (2020);106:103503.

CELL POLARITY SIGNALING PATHWAY BIOMARKER LIST

Customize your own signaling pathways (SignArrays®) with the factors of your choice!
Simply download and complete our Personalized SignArrays® information file and send it at contact@anygenes.com to get started on your project.

You can check the biomarker list included in this pathway, see below:

Species : Homo sapiens (human)

Signaling Pathways	Product ref	Informations
Cell Polarity	*******	List In progress...

Species : Mus musculus (mouse)

Signaling Pathways	Product ref	Informations
Cell Polarity	CPO1M1	List infos

Species : Rattus norvegicus (rat)

Signaling Pathways	Product ref	Informations
Cell Polarity	*******	List In progress...

Species : Sus Scrofa (Pig)

Signaling Pathways	Product ref	Informations
Cell Polarity	*******	List In progress...

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