In the cell cortex, the uniform actin shell can break symmetry to form a polar network which is essential for generating and maintaining cell polarity (Munro et al., 2004; Cowan and Hyman, 2007; Munro and Bowerman, 2009; Goehring et al., 2011; Salbreux et al., 2012) and inducing directional cell movement (Hawkins et al., 2011; Poincloux et al., 2011).
When these are inhibited, pombe cells are unsuccessful at maintaining cell polarity and cell wall integrity [31].
Because the VIF network is long-lived compared to the microtubule network, VIFs template future microtubule growth along previous microtubule tracks, thus providing a feedback mechanism that maintains cell polarity.
Reciprocal regulation of PIP3 by PI3K and PTEN involves in maintaining cell polarity and in efficient chemotaxis [7], [14] [20].
TJs are intercellular junctions critical in the paracellular transport of solutes, as well as in maintaining cell polarity.
TJ control the barrier function of epithelia and maintain cell polarity, and AJ regulate cell-cell adhesion and morphogenesis [2], [3].
The rear area of the leading edge cells were in close contact with other cells that might help to maintain cell polarity in the absence of Ptenb [38].
The elongation pattern indicated that the cells amplify shallow gradients of spontaneously produced PIP3 and maintain cell polarity through PI3K and PTEN.
Since EMT comprises the loss of apical-basal polarity and cell-cell adhesion of epithelial cells, PIAS1 inhibition of EMT suggests that PIAS1 may play a critical role in maintaining cell polarity and cell-cell contact in epithelial tissues.
Since the molecules and mechanisms involved in polarity are highly conserved among metazoans [7], [43], [44], microtubules are likely to be involved in maintaining cell polarity in other organisms.
