Rap1 acts via multiple mechanisms to position Canoe and adherens junctions and mediate apical-basal polarity establishment.

ABSTRACT: Epithelial apical-basal polarity drives assembly and function of most animal tissues. Polarity initiation requires cell-cell adherens junction assembly at the apical-basolateral boundary. Defining the mechanisms underlying polarity establishment remains a key issue. Drosophila embryos provide an ideal model, as 6000 polarized cells assemble simultaneously. Current data place the actin-junctional linker Canoe (fly homolog of Afadin) at the top of the polarity hierarchy, where it directs Bazooka/Par3 and adherens junction positioning. Here we define mechanisms regulating Canoe localization/function. Spatial organization of Canoe is multifaceted, involving membrane localization, recruitment to nascent junctions and macromolecular assembly at tricellular junctions. Our data suggest apic

SUBMITTER: Bonello TT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5825837 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature