Dynamin participates in the maintenance of anterior polarity in the Caenorhabditis elegans embryo

Dev Cell. 2009 Jun;16(6):889-900. doi: 10.1016/j.devcel.2009.04.009.

Abstract

Cell polarity is crucial for the generation of cell diversity. Recent evidence suggests that the actin cytoskeleton plays a key role in establishment of embryonic polarity, yet the mechanisms that maintain polarity cues in particular membrane domains during development remain unclear. Dynamin, a large GTPase, functions in both endocytosis and actin dynamics. Here, the Caenorhabditis elegans dynamin ortholog, DYN-1, maintains anterior polarity cues. DYN-1-GFP foci are enriched in the anterior cortex in a manner dependent on the anterior polarity proteins, PAR-6 and PKC-3. Membrane internalization and actin comet formation are enriched in the anterior, and are dependent on DYN-1. PAR-6-labeled puncta are also internalized from cortical accumulations of DYN-1-GFP. Our results demonstrate a mechanism for the spatial and temporal regulation of endocytosis in the anterior of the embryo, contributing to the precise localization and maintenance of polarity factors within a dynamic plasma membrane.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Actins / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • Caenorhabditis elegans / cytology*
  • Caenorhabditis elegans / embryology*
  • Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / metabolism*
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism
  • Cell Polarity*
  • Dynamins / metabolism*
  • Embryo, Nonmammalian / cytology*
  • Embryo, Nonmammalian / enzymology
  • Endocytosis
  • Gene Deletion
  • Protein Transport
  • Spindle Apparatus / metabolism

Substances

  • Actins
  • Biomarkers
  • Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins
  • Dyn-1 protein, C elegans
  • Dynamins