Review

Planar cell polarity signaling in craniofacial development

Volume 7, Issue 4   October/November/December 2011
Pages 255 - 259
http://dx.doi.org/10.4161/org.7.4.18797
Authors: Jacek Topczewski, Rodney M. Dale and Barbara E. Sisson

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Abstract:
Out of the several signaling pathways controlling craniofacial development, the role of planar cell polarity (PCP) signaling is relatively poorly understood. This pathway, originally identified as a mechanism to maintain cell polarity within the epithelial cells of the Drosophila wing, has been linked to the proper development of a wide variety of tissues in vertebrates and invertebrates. While many of the pathway members are conserved, it appears that some of the members of the pathway act in a tissue-specific manner. Here, we discuss the role of this pathway in vertebrate craniofacial development, highlighting cranial neural crest migration, skull and palate formation and the role of non-traditional modulators of PCP signaling within this developmental process.

Received: September 15, 2011; Accepted: November 17, 2011

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