Team 'Planar polarity and plasticity', manager: Mireille Montcouquiol, and Nathalie Sans.
The polarization of a cell or a group of cell is an important process which disruption during embryonic or adult stages will affect dramatically a tissue function. Classically cell polarity defines apico-basal polarity which orients epithelial cells along their vertical axis. In the last 6 years, a new type of polarity called Planar Cell Polarity (PCP) which orients cells along a horizontal axis has emerged in mammals as a new mechanism participating in shaping organs, and affecting their function. Our pioneering work in this field led to the identification of two of the first of these PCP genes in mammals, Vangl2 and Scrib1, and helped define the cochlea as a valid model for studying PCP mechanisms.
During the last four years we pursued the study of PCP mechanisms in mammals by focusing our research on the characterisation of known PCP protein complexes and the identification of new PCP genes. Our studies allowed to establish differences of hierarchy between core PCP genes, such as Vangl2 and Fzd3, from PCP interactors, such as Scrib1 which participate to a protein complex with Vangl2. Our studies also led to the identification of: 1. GIPC1, a new interactor for Vangl2 involved in the regulation of Vangl2 trafficking; 2. rac1 a new downstream component of PCP signalling.
In conclusion, our research activity has contributed to further our understanding of the molecular mechanisms controlling PCP in mammals, and provide a solid foundation of our project for the next 4 years.
Composition table of the team
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