Summary
Polarity of many cell types is controlled by a protein complex consisting of Bazooka/PAR-3 (Baz), PAR-6 and atypical protein kinase C (aPKC). In Drosophila, the Baz–PAR-6–aPKC complex is required for the control of cell polarity in the follicular epithelium, in ectodermal epithelia and neuroblasts. aPKC is the main signaling component of this complex that functions by phosphorylating downstream targets, while the PDZ domain proteins Baz and PAR-6 control the subcellular localization and kinase activity of aPKC. We compared the mutant phenotypes of an aPKC null allele with those of four novel aPKC alleles harboring point mutations that abolish the kinase activity or the binding of aPKC to PAR-6. We show that these point alleles retain full functionality in the control of follicle cell polarity, but produce strong loss-of-function phenotypes in embryonic epithelia and neuroblasts. Our data, combined with molecular dynamics simulations, show that the kinase activity of aPKC and its ability to bind PAR-6 are only required for a subset of its functions during development, revealing tissue-specific differences in the way that aPKC controls cell polarity.
Footnotes
Supplementary material available online at http://jcs.biologists.org/cgi/content/full/122/20/3759/DC1
We would like to thank Marion Müller-Borg and Alexandra Grimm for technical assistance. We thank William Chia, Chris Doe, Anne Ephrussi, Jürgen Knoblich, Daniel St Johnston, Ulrich Tepass, the Developmental Studies Hybridoma Bank at the University of Iowa and the Bloomington Drosophila stock center at the University of Indiana for sending antibodies and fly stocks. This work was funded by grants from the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft to A.W. (Priority program SPP 1111 `Cell Polarity' WO584/6-1, WO584/6-2; DFG Research Center `Molecular Physiology of the Brain', CMPB) and by a Lichtenberg fellowship of the PhD program, `Molecular Biology' to I.G.
↵* Present address: California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute, 475 Brannan St, San Francisco, CA 94107, USA
- Accepted August 3, 2009.
- © The Company of Biologists Limited 2009
Article navigation
Related articles
Cited by...
More in this TOC section
Similar articles
Other journals from The Company of Biologists
2020 at The Company of Biologists
Despite the challenges of 2020, we were able to bring a number of long-term projects and new ventures to fruition. While we look forward to a new year, join us as we reflect on the triumphs of the last 12 months.
Mole – The Corona Files
"This is not going to go away, 'like a miracle.' We have to do magic. And I know we can."
Mole continues to offer his wise words to researchers on how to manage during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cell scientist to watch – Christine Faulkner
In an interview, Christine Faulkner talks about where her interest in plant science began, how she found the transition between Australia and the UK, and shares her thoughts on virtual conferences.
Read & Publish participation extends worldwide
“The clear advantages are rapid and efficient exposure and easy access to my article around the world. I believe it is great to have this publishing option in fast-growing fields in biomedical research.”
Dr Jaceques Behmoaras (Imperial College London) shares his experience of publishing Open Access as part of our growing Read & Publish initiative. We now have over 60 institutions in 12 countries taking part – find out more and view our full list of participating institutions.
JCS and COVID-19
For more information on measures Journal of Cell Science is taking to support the community during the COVID-19 pandemic, please see here.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hestiate to contact the Editorial Office.