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Cell biology

A cellular choreographer

Nature volume 428, pages 28–29 (2004)Cite this article

Specialized cells that form barriers such as those of the intestine adopt a distinct asymmetry. One particular protein may be a prime mover in bringing about such cellular organization.

The intestine is a hollow tube lined by finger-like projections (villi) which, in turn, are covered by a sheet of highly organized cells. As in other exposed surfaces such as the skin, these specialized epithelial cells are born at the bottom of the layer and move up to replace cells that are constantly being sloughed off the top. During this time, the epithelial cells adhere tightly to each other within the sheet to provide a protective barrier between the ‘outside’ and ‘inside’ environments.

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Figure 1: Structure of the intestine and epithelial polarity.
Figure 2: LKB1 and cell polarization.

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  1. the Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Beckman Center, B121, 279 Campus Drive, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, 94305-5435, California, USA

    W. James Nelson

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  1. W. James Nelson
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Nelson, W. A cellular choreographer. Nature 428, 28–29 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1038/428028a

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/428028a

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