Cell polarity articles from across Nature Portfolio

How RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) regulate gene expression via effectors of RNA processing is unclear. Here, the authors dissect the effector interface of an essential RBP, Unkempt, and investigate its contribution to translational control in cells.

Using low-input lipidomics in mouse and human embryos, Zhang, Shui, Li and colleagues find that lipid unsaturation increases with development towards the blastocyst stage. They further show that lipid desaturases contribute to successful embryo implantation.

Theoretical and experimental observations argue that apical domain heterogeneity in the neural plate is a tug-of-war contest between constricted and elongated cells. This competition likely reflects mechanical forces operating during tissue bending.

Contractile ring formation, positioning, and closure is influenced by tissue mechanics, though how this information is transmitted is unclear. Here they show that Anillin is critical for a mechanosensitive pathway that drives cytokinesis and contractile ring closure.

Regulation of cell polarity is key to ensure directed cell migration. Here, Atkins et al. identify the primary cilium cAMP/cGMP ratio as a master regulator of the cell polarity of migrating cortical interneurons downstream of the CXCL12 chemokine.

Ahna Skop and Karen Schindler describe a paper that found localized translation in mammalian embryos, demonstrating the importance of RNA transport for development.

In this Tools of the Trade article, Isomursu (Ivaska lab) describes a new method for dynamic micropatterning, which enables investigation of cell adhesion and migration on substrates that mimic different extracellular matrix environments.

Lipids have a pivotal role in the growth of oocytes and fertilized eggs. Ultra-sensitive lipidome analysis provides a complete overview of the lipid profile during early embryonic development and brings insights into how dynamic lipid remodelling determines the fate of mammalian embryos.

In this Tools of the Trade article, Sarah Paramore (from the Devenport and Nelson labs) discusses the use of mouse strains carrying genomic alterations in PCP genes and how they can increase our understanding of mammalian planar cell polarity.

An algorithm is presented for the simulation of reaction–diffusion systems on complex geometries, providing insight on how the interplay of cell geometry and biochemistry can control polarity in living cells.

Chiara Zurzolo brings to attention the pioneering work that established virus-infected cells as a model to study cell polarity.