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Orchestration of tissue‐scale mechanics and fate decisions by polarity signalling
Author(s) -
Dias Gomes Martim,
Iden Sandra
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
the embo journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 7.484
H-Index - 392
eISSN - 1460-2075
pISSN - 0261-4189
DOI - 10.15252/embj.2020106787
Subject(s) - center of excellence , excellence , library science , political science , computer science , law
Abstract Eukaryotic development relies on dynamic cell shape changes and segregation of fate determinants to achieve coordinated compartmentalization at larger scale. Studies in invertebrates have identified polarity programmes essential for morphogenesis; however, less is known about their contribution to adult tissue maintenance. While polarity‐dependent fate decisions in mammals utilize molecular machineries similar to invertebrates, the hierarchies and effectors can differ widely. Recent studies in epithelial systems disclosed an intriguing interplay of polarity proteins, adhesion molecules and mechanochemical pathways in tissue organization. Based on major advances in biophysics, genome editing, high‐resolution imaging and mathematical modelling, the cell polarity field has evolved to a remarkably multidisciplinary ground. Here, we review emerging concepts how polarity and cell fate are coupled, with emphasis on tissue‐scale mechanisms, mechanobiology and mammalian models. Recent findings on the role of polarity signalling for tissue mechanics, micro‐environmental functions and fate choices in health and disease will be summarized.