Molecular mechanism of polarized transport.
Mechanisms of generation and maintenance of cell polarity have been investigated using various organisms and cell lines. During and after the establishment of cell polarity, polarized (vesicular) transport as well as cell-cell adhesion is essential. Here, I introduce each molecular step of polarized transport and the molecules involved there. Usually, epithelial cells and neurons are two well-known examples of polarized cells. Thus, I next describe the similarity and difference in polarized transport between these two cell types. Though closely connected, the relationship between cell-cell adhesion and polarized transport remain poorly understood. I will take a few examples indicating the relationship between them. Finally, I will present the future directions in this field.
Harada
Akihiro
A
Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan. harada-a@umin.ac.jp
D000818:Animals; D001692:Biological Transport; D002448:Cell Adhesion; D016764:Cell Polarity; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism*