Abstract
Apical-basal polarization is fundamental for the development and function of epithelial tissues. Loss of normal polarity is often associated with epithelial tumorigenesis due to a tumour suppressive function of the molecular machinery that regulates cell polarity. Cell polarization is driven by polarity determinants like the evolutionarily conserved partitioning-defective PAR proteins that are separated into distinct cortical domains. Polarisation drives cellular shape changes that necessarily result from generation of mechanical forces. Yet, the link between signaling and force generation remains poorly understood.
The goal of this project is to determine how PAR signaling controls cell mechanics and tissue morphogenesis.
References
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