Planar cell polarity in moving cells: think globally, act locally

Development. 2017 Jan 15;144(2):187-200. doi: 10.1242/dev.122804.

Abstract

The planar cell polarity (PCP) pathway is best known for its role in polarizing epithelial cells within the plane of a tissue but it also plays a role in a range of cell migration events during development. The mechanism by which the PCP pathway polarizes stationary epithelial cells is well characterized, but how PCP signaling functions to regulate more dynamic cell behaviors during directed cell migration is much less understood. Here, we review recent discoveries regarding the localization of PCP proteins in migrating cells and their impact on the cell biology of collective and individual cell migratory behaviors.

Keywords: Cell migration; Planar cell polarity; Planar polarity.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Body Patterning / physiology
  • Cell Movement / physiology*
  • Cell Polarity / physiology*
  • Cellular Microenvironment / physiology
  • Humans
  • Signal Transduction