Morphogenesis of the polarized epithelial cell phenotype
Article Abstract:
Epithelial cells line the surfaces and cavities of the body in animals and humans and are involved in sensory organs and glands. The development of epithelial cell layers is the first detectable event in differentiation (the development of different cell types within an organism). Epithelial cell polarization refers to different anatomic and physiologic adaptations of the cell at its various surfaces and related intracellular areas. Polarized epithelial cells are responsible for both absorption (such as in the intestinal tract) and secretions (such as saliva from the salivary glands). Such specialization occurs in a multistage process that relies in part on cues from outside of the cell. This differentiation process is related to changes in the organization of proteins within the cell membrane and it continues throughout life by segregation of anatomic structure and chemical organization at various locations within the cell. The free surface membrane of these cells (apical plasma membrane) is related to the regulation of nutrients and water, protection and secretion. The side or lateral surfaces are active in the maintenance of structural integrity of sheets of lining epithelium and with intercellular communication. The basal-lateral areas of polarized epithelial cells are concerned with signal reception; conversion of environmental changes to electrical signals; movement of charged particles (ions which result in the establishment of gradients). The basal membrane (the area away from the surface) has specialized anatomic structures related to attachment to a basement membrane that is composed of various proteins (collagens) and protein-sugar combinations (proteoglycans).
Publication Name: Science
Subject: Science and technology
ISSN: 0036-8075
Year: 1989
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Cell shape determination: a pivotal role for Rho
Article Abstract:
Recent studies of yeast cells by Jana Drgonova et al and Hiroshi Qadota et al further understanding of the process of morphogensis. Cell-shape determination in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is coordinated by the Ras-like guanosine nucleotide-binding protein Rho1p.
Publication Name: Science
Subject: Science and technology
ISSN: 0036-8075
Year: 1996
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Delivery of Na+,K+-ATPase in polarized epithelial cells
Article Abstract:
Research on the surface delivery of sodium and potassium ion-stimulated adenosine triphosphatase in the thyroid epithelial cell line Fischer rat thyroid and the efficiency of sodium pump subunit biotinylation are discussed.
Publication Name: Science
Subject: Science and technology
ISSN: 0036-8075
Year: 1993
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