Polarized Organization of the Cytoskeleton: Regulation by Cell Polarity Proteins

Abstract Polarityis one of the fundamental properties displayed by living organisms. In metazoans, cell polaritygoverns developmental processes and plays an essential role during maintenance of forms of tissues as well as their functions. The mechanisms of establishment and maintenance of cell polarityhave been investigated extensively in the last two decades. This has resulted in identification of “core cell polaritymodules” that control anterior–posterior, front–rear and apical–basal polarityacross various cell types. Here, we review how these polarity modulesinteract closely with the cytoskeletonduring establishment and maintenance of cytoskeletal polarity. We further suggest that reciprocal interactions between cell polaritymodules and the cytoskeletonconsolidate the initial weaker polarity, arising from an external cue, into a committed polarizedsystem.