Table of contents
November 2008 Vol 9 No 11
From the editors
p821 | doi:10.1038/nrm2543
Research Highlights
Cell polarity: Sticky poles | PDF (138 KB)
p823 | doi:10.1038/nrm2534
Development: A force to be reckoned with | PDF (138 KB)
p824 | doi:10.1038/nrm2539
Calcium: An effective get-together | PDF (160 KB)
p824 | doi:10.1038/nrm2540
Web Watch
A simple structure search | PDF (112 KB)
p824 | doi:10.1038/nrm2541
In brief
Cell polarity | Cell polarity | Protein degradation | PDF (138 KB)
p825 | doi:10.1038/nrm2542
Lipid metabolism: Treasure hunt in fat | PDF (146 KB)
p826 | doi:10.1038/nrm2533
Membrane trafficking: Recycling integrins | PDF (131 KB)
p826 | doi:10.1038/nrm2537
Molecular motors: Feeling the tension in every step | PDF (154 KB)
p827 | doi:10.1038/nrm2532
Gene expression: Coming in waves | PDF (163 KB)
p828 | doi:10.1038/nrm2535
Cell polarity: Numb localization nailed | PDF (129 KB)
p828 | doi:10.1038/nrm2538
An Interview With...
Philip Leder | PDF (195 KB)
p830 | doi:10.1038/nrm2536
Focus on: Cell polarity
Reviews
Coordinated protein sorting, targeting and distribution in polarized cells
Ira Mellman & W. James Nelson
p833 | doi:10.1038/nrm2525
Polarization requires the coordinated interaction of three machineries that modify the basic mechanisms of intracellular protein trafficking and distribution. The integration of these mechanisms into a complex and dynamic network is crucial for normal tissue function and is often defective in disease states.
Crosstalk between small GTPases and polarity proteins in cell polarization
Sandra Iden & John G. Collard
p846 | doi:10.1038/nrm2521
Conserved proteins of the partitioning defective (PAR), Scribble and Crumbs complexes guide the establishment of cell polarity in various organisms. Small GTPases have also been implicated in cell polarization. How do the polarity complexes and the small GTPases coordinate cellular polarization in different cell types?
Beyond polymer polarity: how the cytoskeleton builds a polarized cell
Rong Li & Gregg G. Gundersen
p860 | doi:10.1038/nrm2522
Actin and microtubules are dynamic polar polymers that are well suited for providing the structural basis for cell polarity. The actin cytoskeleton generally drives symmetry breaking, whereas microtubules control polarity maintenance. These events are coordinated by bidirectional crosstalk between actin and microtubules.
Organelle positioning and cell polarity
Michel Bornens
p874 | doi:10.1038/nrm2524
The positioning of each cytoskeletal or membrane organelle must be coupled to that of other organelles in order to contribute efficiently to cell polarity. The non-random positioning of organelles is preserved and transmitted through cell division.
From cells to organs: building polarized tissue
David M. Bryant & Keith E. Mostov
p887 | doi:10.1038/nrm2523
Tissue structures and shapes can be formed by organizing groups of cells into different polarized arrangements and by coordinating their polarity in space and time. Conserved design principles that underlie tissue polarity are emerging from studies of model organisms and tissues.
Perspectives
Opinion
Turning anti-ageing genes against cancer
Valter D. Longo, Michael R. Lieber & Jan Vijg
p903 | doi:10.1038/nrm2526
Proto-oncogenic pathways, including the insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), Ras and AKT/PKB pathways, have recently been implicated in the ageing process. In simple organisms, proto-oncogene homologues increase DNA damage, whereas in mice they increase cancer incidence. So, can we prevent cancer by chronic downregulation of pro-ageing pathways?
Opinion
Cyclin-dependent kinases and cell-cycle transitions: does one fit all?
Helfrid Hochegger, Shunichi Takeda & Tim Hunt
p910 | doi:10.1038/nrm2510
Cell-cycle transitions in higher eukaryotes are regulated by different cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) and cyclins. Recent work using gene-targeted mice has led to a revision of this model and revealed overlapping and essential roles of different CDKs and cyclins.
Correspondence
Correspondence: Exocytosis provides the membrane for protrusion, at least in migrating fibroblasts
Mark S. Bretscher
p916 | doi:10.1038/nrm2419-c3
