Untangling interactions in the PAR cell polarity system

Animal cells establish polarity via the partitioning-defective protein system. Although the core of this system comprises only four proteins, a huge number of reported interactions between these members has made it difficult to understand how the system is organized and functions at the molecular level. In a recent JBC article, the Prehoda group has succeeded in reconstituting some of these interactions in vitro, resulting in a much clearer and simpler picture of partitioning-defective complex assembly.

Automated summary

Animal cells establish polarity through the partitioning-defective protein system. The interactions between its four core proteins have been numerous, making it challenging to comprehend the organization and molecular mechanisms involved. In a recent JBC article, the Prehoda group successfully reconstituted some of these interactions in vitro, providing a clearer and simpler understanding of partitioning-defective complex assembly.