Dynamin Participates in the Maintenance of Anterior Polarity in the Caenorhabditis elegans Embryo

• DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2009.04.009
• Publication Date: 2009-06-16T09:33:12Z
• Authors: Yuji Nakayama; Jessica M. Shivas; Daniel S. Poole; Jayne M. Squirrell; Jennifer M. Kulkoski; Justin B. Schleede; Ahna R. Skop
• Keywords: Polarity (international relations); Cell polarity; Internalization; Cell Cortex

Cell polarity is crucial for the generation of cell diversity. Recent evidence suggests that the actin cytoskeleton plays a key role in establishment of embryonic polarity, yet the mechanisms that maintain polarity cues in particular membrane domains during development remain unclear. Dynamin, a large GTPase, functions in both endocytosis and actin dynamics. Here, the Caenorhabditis elegans dynamin ortholog, DYN-1, maintains anterior polarity cues. DYN-1-GFP foci are enriched in the anterior cortex in a manner dependent on the anterior polarity proteins, PAR-6 and PKC-3. Membrane internalization and actin comet formation are enriched in the anterior, and are dependent on DYN-1. PAR-6-labeled puncta are also internalized from cortical accumulations of DYN-1-GFP. Our results demonstrate a mechanism for the spatial and temporal regulation of endocytosis in the anterior of the embryo, contributing to the precise localization and maintenance of polarity factors within a dynamic plasma membrane.