Regulation of cell polarity by PAR-1/MARK kinase #MMPMID28236972
Wu Y; Griffin EE
Curr Top Dev Biol 2017[]; 123 (ä): 365-97 PMID28236972show ga
PAR-1/MARK kinases are conserved serine/threonine kinases that are essential regulators of cell polarity. PAR-1/MARK kinases localize and function in opposition to the Anterior PAR proteins to control the asymmetric distribution of factors in a wide variety polarized cells. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms that control the localization and activity of PAR-1/MARK kinases, including their antagonistic interactions with the Anterior PAR proteins. We focus on the role PAR-1 plays in the asymmetric division of the C. elegans zygote, in the establishment of the anterior/posterior axis in the Drosophila oocyte and in the control of microtubule dynamics in mammalian neurons. In addition to conserved aspects of PAR-1 biology, we highlight the unique ways in which PAR-1 acts in these distinct cell types to orchestrate their polarization. Finally, we review the connections between disruptions in PAR-1/MARK function and Alzheimer?s disease and cancer.