Tiam1 takes PARt in cell polarity

A. E E Mertens, D. Michiel Pegtel, John G. Collard

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articleAcademicpeer-review

81 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Cell polarity is an essential requirement for the proper tissue development of complex organisms. This is underscored by in vivo studies showing that loss of cell polarity contributes to the formation and progression of tumours. Evolutionary conserved multiprotein complexes, such as the Par3-Par6-aPKC or, in short, the Par polarity complex, regulate the establishment of cell polarity. The small Rho GTPases CDC42 and Rac control the activation of the Par polarity complex. Evidence now implicates the Rac activator Tiam1 as a crucial component of the Par complex in regulating neuronal (axonal) and epithelial (apical-basal) polarity. Our current knowledge places Tiam1 at the centre of a pivotal biological process, the establishment and maintenance of cell polarity, and suggests that deregulation of the Tiam1-Par complex contributes to tumourigenicity.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)308-316
Number of pages9
JournalTrends in Cell Biology
Volume16
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jun 2006

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