Opposing Wnt pathways orient cell polarity during organogenesis.
basic_science · Level V
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 18724937.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1016/j.cell.2008.06.026 and PMC identifier 2603076.
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Abstract
The orientation of asymmetric cell division contributes to the organization of cells within a tissue or organ. For example, mirror-image symmetry of the C. elegans vulva is achieved by the opposite division orientation of the vulval precursor cells (VPCs) flanking the axis of symmetry. We characterized the molecular mechanisms contributing to this division pattern. Wnts MOM-2 and LIN-44 are expressed at the axis of symmetry and orient the VPCs toward the center. These Wnts act via Fz/LIN-17 and Ryk/LIN-18, which control beta-catenin localization and activate gene transcription. In addition, VPCs on both sides of the axis of symmetry possess a uniform underlying "ground" polarity, established by the instructive activity of Wnt/EGL-20. EGL-20 establishes ground polarity via a novel type of signaling involving the Ror receptor tyrosine kinase CAM-1 and the planar cell polarity component Van Gogh/VANG-1. Thus, tissue polarity is determined by the integration of multiple Wnt pathways.
Medical subject headings
- Caenorhabditis elegans
- Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins
- Cell Polarity
- Organogenesis
- Signal Transduction
- Wnt Proteins