On the role of microtubules in cell polarity: A reconstituted minimal system

Every living organism consists of cells. Even for the simplest single-cell organism, this cell is extremely complex. Thousands of components (such asDNA, cytoskeletal filaments, proteins, lipids, nutrients and energy) are organized both spatially and temporally to ensure proper functioning of vital cellular processes. One of those processes is...

Minimal in vitro systems shed light on cell polarity

Cell polarity - the morphological and functional differentiation of cellular compartments in a directional manner - is required for processes such as orientation of cell division, directed cellular growth and motility. How the interplay of components within the complexity of a cell leads to cell polarity is still heavily debated. In this...