Reciprocal and dynamic polarization of planar cell polarity core components and myosin.

TitleReciprocal and dynamic polarization of planar cell polarity core components and myosin.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2015
AuthorsNewman-Smith E, Kourakis MJ, Reeves W, Veeman M, Smith WC
JournalElife
Volume4
Date Published2015 Apr 13
ISSN2050-084X
Abstract

The Ciona notochord displays PCP-dependent polarity, with anterior localization of Prickle (Pk) and Strabismus (Stbm). We report that a myosin is polarized anteriorly in these cells and strongly colocalize with Stbm. Disruption of the actin/myosin machinery with cytochalasin or blebbistatin disrupts polarization of Pk and Stbm, but not of myosin complexes, suggesting a PCP-independent aspect of myosin localization. Washout of cytochalasin restored Pk polarization, but not if done in the presence of blebbistatin, suggesting an active role for myosin in core PCP protein localization. On the other hand, in the pk mutant line aimless myosin polarization in approximately one third of the cells, indicating a reciprocal action of core PCP signaling on myosin localization. Our results indicate a complex relationship between the actomyosin cytoskeleton and core PCP components in which myosin is not simply a downstream target of PCP signaling, but also required for PCP protein localization.

DOI10.7554/eLife.05361
Alternate JournalElife
PubMed ID25866928