The adhesion GPCR latrophilin – a novel signaling cascade in oriented cell division and anterior-posterior polarity. Issue 2 (2nd April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Winkler, Jana; Prömel, Simone
• Is Part Of: Worm. Volume 5:Issue 2(2016)
• Publication Date: 2016-04-02
• Subjects: early C. elegans embryo -- G protein-coupled receptor -- latrophilin -- signaling pathway -- spindle orientation; Caenorhabditis elegans -- Periodicals; 592.57
• DOI: 10.1080/21624054.2016.1170274
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2162-4046

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Although several signaling pathways in oriented cell division have been well characterized such as delta/notch inductions or wnt/frizzled-based anterior-posterior polarity, there is strong evidence for additional signal pathways controlling early anterior-posterior polarity decisions. The homolog of the adhesion G protein-coupled receptor latrophilin, LAT-1 has been identified as a receptor essential for oriented cell division in an anterior-posterior direction of specific blastomeres in the early C. elegans embryo. We recently conducted a study aiming at clarifying the signals involved in LAT-1 function. We identified a Gs protein/adenylyl cyclase/cAMP pathway in vitro and demonstrated its physiological relevance in oriented cell division. By interaction with a Gs protein LAT-1 elevates cAMP levels. These data indicate that G-protein signaling in oriented cell division is not solely GPCR-independent. This commentary will discuss our findings in the context of the current knowledge of mechanisms controlling oriented cell division and anterior-posterior polarity. Further, we identify open questions which need to be addressed in the future.