| dc.description.abstract | During animal development, cells need to grow, divide and differentiate according to
the body plan. To do so, cells utilize complex mechanisms to polarize themselves
asymmetrically on the apical-basal axis, but also within the plane of the tissue, known
as planar cell polarity (PCP). In order to establish an axis for oriented division,
asymmetrically segregate cell fate determinants and orient the mitotic spindle, the
cells use PCP to align themselves with the body plan. How PCP regulates asymmetric
division and spindle orientation is unknown at the moment. Recent data suggest an
important role for the PCP core proteins Frizzled, Van Gogh/Strabismus and
Flamingo/Starry Night in aligning the spindle to the axis of division. However, the
exact mechanism remains to be resolved. In this thesis, current models on how cells
establish polarity, PCP and orient the mitotic spindle to ensure correct asymmetric
division will be reviewed. Furthermore, current important questions in the field of
PCP research nowadays will be discussed. | |
