Epithelial spindle orientation diversities and uncertainties: Recent developments and lingering questions

• Authors: Lindsey Seldin, Emory University; Ian Macara, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
• Journal Title: F1000Research
• Volume: Volume 6
• Publisher: F1000 Research Ltd | 2017-01-01, Pages 984-984
• Type of Work: Article | Final Publisher PDF
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.11370.1
• Subjects: Biology, Cell
• Keywords: mitotic spindle; orientation; phosphoregulation

Abstract

Mitotic spindle orientation is a conserved, dynamic, and highly complex process that plays a key role in dictating the cleavage plane, fate, and positioning of cells within a tissue, therefore laying the blueprint for tissue structure and function. While the spindle-positioning pathway has been extensively studied in lower-model organisms, research over the past several years has highlighted its relevance to mammalian epithelial tissues. Although we continue to gain critical insights into the mechanisms underlying spindle positioning, many uncertainties persist. In this commentary, we will review the protein interactions that modulate spindle orientation and we will present important recent findings that underscore epithelial tissue-specific requirements and variations in this important pathway, as well as its potential relevance to cancer.