Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jose Casal, Freya Storer, Peter A. Lawrence
Summary: Planar cell polarity (PCP) relies on at least two molecular systems, each utilizing a supracellular concentration gradient. This study investigates the distribution of the Frizzled receptor in living pupal abdomen of Drosophila, revealing a supracellular gradient that resets in the next segment. Furthermore, an intracellular asymmetry in Frizzled distribution is observed, suggesting independent actions of the PCP systems.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yeon Sun Kim, Yingju Li, Jia Yuan, Jean-Paul Borg, Xiaofei Sun, Sudhansu K. Dey
Summary: Directed trophoblast migration towards the maternal mesometrial pole is crucial for successful placentation and pregnancy. Deficiencies in trophoblast invasion can result in various pregnancy complications. The interaction between VANGL2 and CB1 plays a critical role in trophoblast invasion and movement regulation.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Developmental Biology
Lena P. Basta, Michael Hill-Oliva, Sarah Paramore, Rishabh Sharan, Audrey Goh, Abhishek Biswas, Marvin Cortez, Katherine A. Little, Eszter Posfai, Danelle Devenport
Summary: Researchers introduced three new mouse models for investigating the localization and dynamics of transmembrane PCP proteins; using the skin epidermis as a model, they found that cell polarity dynamically changes during cell rearrangements and divisions, but the overall tissue polarity is maintained; through super-resolution STED imaging, they successfully observed the complex localization of PCP proteins along cell junctions.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
De-Li Shi
Summary: Gastrulation and neurulation are crucial morphogenetic processes involving cellular and molecular mechanisms to shape the embryonic body plan. Planar cell polarity proteins play a significant role in regulating these processes and their mutation can lead to various developmental defects and congenital diseases.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aiguo Tian, Xian-Feng Wang, Yuting Xu, Virginia Morejon, Yi-Chun Huang, Chidi Nwapuda, Wu-Min Deng
Summary: This study in Drosophila ovarian follicular epithelium reveals the role of specific protein complexes, growth factor signaling, and transcription factor Pointed in maintaining cell polarity and directional growth, providing insights into epithelial tumor formation.
Article
Cell Biology
Andre Landin Malt, Shaylyn Clancy, Diane Hwang, Alice Liu, Connor Smith, Margaret Smith, Maya Hatley, Christopher Clemens, Xiaowei Lu
Summary: A non-canonical Wnt signaling pathway has been found to promote cochlear outgrowth and coordinate planar polarization of hair cells. Gsk3 beta and Rac1 play crucial roles in this pathway, as shown in genetic rescue experiments.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Tomonori Ayukawa, Masakazu Akiyama, Yasukazu Hozumi, Kenta Ishimoto, Junko Sasaki, Haruki Senoo, Takehiko Sasaki, Masakazu Yamazaki
Summary: In addition to the core group, tissue flow is identified as a mechanism governing planar cell polarity (PCP) in the Drosophila notum. Tissue flow-mediated rescue of random bristle orientation during the pupal stage is independent of the core group. The apical extracellular matrix functions like a comb to orient bristles.
Review
Cell Biology
Courtney A. Dreyer, Kacey VanderVorst, Kermit L. Carraway
Summary: This article discusses the importance of Wnt/planar cell polarity (Wnt/PCP) signaling in the establishment of polarity and cellular motility events in developing and adult tissues. It highlights the role of the transmembrane protein Vangl as a master scaffold for Wnt/PCP signaling and explores how dysregulation of these processes contributes to human diseases.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Courtney A. Dreyer, Kacey VanderVorst, Dean Natwick, George Bell, Prachi Sood, Maria Hernandez, James M. Angelastro, Sean R. Collins, Kermit L. Carraway III
Summary: In this study, we found that the non-canonical Wnt planar cell polarity (Wnt/PCP) signaling pathway components Vangl1 and Fzd7 promote the malignancy of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) by enhancing cellular proliferation, migration, and invasiveness. They also activate Rho GTPases to regulate cytoskeletal rearrangements and actin dynamics in migrating GBM cells. We discovered a novel Vangl1/Fzd7 complex at the leading edge of migratory GBM cells, which is critical for recruiting downstream effectors to promote tumor progression. Depletion of FZD7 resulted in suppressed tumor growth, delayed latency, and improved overall survival in a mouse xenograft model, suggesting that targeting the Wnt/PCP pathway could be a potential therapeutic strategy for GBM patients.
Article
Cell Biology
Joseph P. Campanale, James A. Mondo, Denise J. Montell
Summary: Collective cell movements play a critical role in normal development and metastasis. This study unveils the role of Rac GTPase and its regulator Cdep in driving migration and cluster movement in Drosophila border cells.
DEVELOPMENTAL CELL
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Jia Chen, Daniel St Johnston
Summary: This article reviews the current understanding of cell polarization in different stages (embryonic, larval, pupal, and adult) of Drosophila midgut development, and discusses the unresolved mechanisms that control changes in cell arrangements, cell shape, and cell polarity during midgut development.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Anna Frappaolo, Maria Grazia Giansanti
Summary: The conserved target of rapamycin (TOR) serine/threonine kinase plays a crucial role in controlling cell growth, metabolism, and survival by integrating signals from nutrition and growth factors. Dysregulation of TOR signaling has been implicated in diseases like cancer and diabetes. Research using the fruit fly model system has been pivotal in identifying the components and understanding the function of the mTORC1 and mTORC2 signaling pathways and their coordination with insulin signaling. Additionally, recent findings highlight the involvement of Drosophila Golgi phosphoprotein 3 in organ growth regulation through the Rheb-mediated activation of mTORC1, emphasizing the significance of the Golgi as a hub for mTORC1 signaling.
Review
Urology & Nephrology
Elena Torban, Sergei Y. Sokol
Summary: Planar cell polarity (PCP) is crucial for the coordinated orientation of cells in the tissue plane and is involved in various morphogenetic processes, particularly in kidney development. Mutations in PCP genes can lead to malformations in organs, including the kidney, emphasizing the importance of PCP pathway in normal development and disease.
NATURE REVIEWS NEPHROLOGY
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Sarah V. Paramore
Summary: This article discusses the use of mouse strains carrying genomic alterations in PCP genes and their contribution to our understanding of mammalian planar cell polarity.
NATURE REVIEWS MOLECULAR CELL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Kacey VanderVorst, Courtney A. Dreyer, Jason Hatakeyama, George R. R. Bell, Julie A. Learn, Anastasia L. Berg, Maria Hernandez, Hyun Lee, Sean R. Collins, Kermit L. Carraway III
Summary: The study examines the role of Wnt/planar cell polarity (Wnt/PCP) signaling pathway in breast tumor cell motility, collective cell invasiveness, and mammary tumor metastasis. The findings demonstrate that Vangl-dependent Wnt/PCP signaling promotes breast cancer collective cell migration and facilitates distant metastasis.
BREAST CANCER RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Alyssa Kearly, Andrew D. L. Nelson, Aleksandra Skirycz, Monika Chodasiewicz
Summary: Stress Granules (SGs) and Processing-bodies (P-bodies) are important biomolecular condensates that play crucial roles in maintaining mRNA balance and regulating stress responses. They are composed of proteins and RNAs involved in translation, protein folding, and energy metabolism.
SEMINARS IN CELL & DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2024)
Review
Cell Biology
P. Lemonnier, T. Lawson
Summary: Stomatal conductance plays a crucial role in determining CO2 uptake and water loss in plants, affecting overall water status and productivity. However, the signals coordinating mesophyll demands for CO2, the role of chloroplasts in stomatal function, and other GC metabolic processes in stomatal function remain poorly understood.
SEMINARS IN CELL & DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2024)
Review
Cell Biology
Matteo Gionfriddo, Timothy Rhodes, Spencer M. Whitney
Summary: Rubisco is a key enzyme that facilitates the entry of CO2 into the biosphere, but its catalytic properties are slow and error-prone. More effective Rubisco variants have been discovered in certain algae, offering the potential to significantly improve crop productivity. However, incompatibilities in protein folding have hindered the transplantation of these variants into plants. Directed evolution is now being explored to enhance Rubisco catalysis.
SEMINARS IN CELL & DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2024)
Review
Cell Biology
Vittoria Clapero, Stephanie Arrivault, Mark Stitt
Summary: The Calvin-Benson cycle has undergone massive selection and co-evolution with carbon-concentrating mechanisms due to changing environmental factors. Metabolite profiling reveals species-specific variations in the operation of the cycle, indicating the influence of different modes of photosynthesis. Connectivity analysis identifies constraints and driving factors for cross-species diversity in the cycle.
SEMINARS IN CELL & DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2024)
Review
Cell Biology
Sukhbir Kaur, David D. Roberts
Summary: Thrombospondin-1 modulates cell behavior by interacting with components of the extracellular matrix and cell surface receptors. Its release and expression are influenced by injuries and various diseases, while its sustained presence in the extracellular space is regulated by receptor-mediated clearance. Thrombospondin-1 plays important roles in immune responses.
SEMINARS IN CELL & DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2024)
Review
Cell Biology
Richard P. Tucker, Josephine C. Adams
Summary: Thrombospondins (TSPs) play diverse roles in animals and have been found to belong to a superfamily that includes different subgroups such as mega-TSPs, sushi-TSPs, and poriferan-TSPs. Invertebrates encode a greater diversity of TSP superfamily members than vertebrates.
SEMINARS IN CELL & DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2024)
Review
Cell Biology
James Petrik, Sylvia Lauks, Bianca Garlisi, Jack Lawler
Summary: Many cancers start with a small nest of transformed cells that can remain dormant. Thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) initially promotes dormancy by suppressing angiogenesis, but over time, factors promoting angiogenesis become dominant and recruit various cells to form a complex tumor microenvironment. TSPs play a role in the proliferation, migration, and invasion of cells in the tumor microenvironment, as well as influencing the immune characteristics and phenotype of tumor-associated macrophages.
SEMINARS IN CELL & DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2024)
Review
Cell Biology
Hana Fakim, Christine Vande Velde
Summary: There has been increasing attention to the role of phase-separated biomolecular condensates, specifically stress granules, in neurodegenerative diseases like ALS. ALS-associated mutations in genes involved in stress granule assembly have been found, and stress granule proteins have been detected in pathological inclusions in ALS patient neurons. However, protein components of stress granules are also present in other physiological biomolecular condensates, which have not been adequately discussed in relation to ALS. This review explores the functions of TDP-43 and FUS in physiological condensates occurring in the nucleus and neurites beyond stress granules, and discusses the impact of ALS-linked mutations on their ability to phase separate and perform their functions in stress-independent biomolecular condensates.
SEMINARS IN CELL & DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2024)
Review
Cell Biology
Alexander Lin, Yogambha Ramaswamy, Ashish Misra
Summary: Smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells, and macrophages in blood vessels display remarkable heterogeneity, and their developmental origins may influence their plasticity. Unbiased single cell whole transcriptome analysis techniques are revolutionizing the understanding of cellular diversity and plasticity, providing insights for therapeutic research.
SEMINARS IN CELL & DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2024)
Review
Cell Biology
Elton P. Hudson
Summary: The Calvin Benson cycle plays a crucial role in the ecological and biotechnological aspects of bacteria. Recent studies have shed light on the regulation of this cycle in bacteria, with post-transcriptional and post-translational regulation being important in phototrophic bacteria, and transcriptional regulation being prominent in chemolithoautotrophic bacteria. Understanding the regulation of the Calvin Benson cycle has implications for enhancing CO2 fixation and improving the synthesis of desired products. Non-canonical cycles may offer potential benefits for industrial applications.
SEMINARS IN CELL & DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2024)
Review
Cell Biology
Xin-Guang Zhu, Haim Treves, Honglong Zhao
Summary: This paper discusses the major regulatory mechanisms over the Calvin Benson Cycle (CBC) that maintain homeostasis of metabolite levels. These mechanisms include redox regulation of enzymes, metabolite regulations (especially allosteric regulations), and balanced activities of enzymes. These regulatory mechanisms are crucial for maintaining high flux and photosynthetic efficiency in CBC.
SEMINARS IN CELL & DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2024)
Review
Cell Biology
Hunter C. Herriage, Yi-Ting Huang, Brian R. Calvi
Summary: Apoptosis prevents the inappropriate acquisition of extra copies of the genome, known as polyploidy, but the polyploid state can suppress apoptosis. The mechanisms linking apoptosis and polyploid cell cycles are still largely unknown, and studying the regulation of apoptosis in development and cancer could lead to more effective therapies.
SEMINARS IN CELL & DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2024)
Review
Cell Biology
Daniel Campbell, Steven Zuryn
Summary: Mitochondrial dynamics play a crucial role in regulating cellular and organismal homeostasis, impacting various aspects of an organism's healthspan. By studying the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, a comprehensive understanding of the impact of mitochondrial dynamics on homeostasis over a lifetime can be obtained.
SEMINARS IN CELL & DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2024)
Review
Cell Biology
Diba Borgmann, Henning Fenselau
Summary: Maintaining blood glucose at an appropriate physiological level requires coordination of multiple organs and tissues, with the vagus nerve playing a key role in central control. Recent studies have revealed the cellular identity, neuroanatomical organization, and functional contributions of vagal neurons in the regulation of systemic glucose metabolism. These findings provide new insights into the precise roles of vagal neurons in coordinating glucose levels and offer potential avenues for treating glucose metabolism disorders.
SEMINARS IN CELL & DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2024)
Review
Cell Biology
Tatiana C. Coverdell, Stephen B. G. Abbott, John N. Campbell
Summary: In this article, we review how genetic technology and single-cell genomics are revealing the organizational principles of the efferent vagus in unprecedented detail.
SEMINARS IN CELL & DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2024)