Abstract
The cytoskeleton and associated motors play an important role in the establishment of intracellular polarity. Microtubule-based transport is required in many cell types for the asymmetric localization of mRNAs and organelles. A striking example is the Drosophila oocyte, where microtubule-dependent processes govern the asymmetric positioning of the nucleus and the localization to distinct cortical domains of mRNAs that function as cytoplasmic determinants. A conserved machinery for mRNA localization and nuclear positioning involving cytoplasmic Dynein has been postulated; however, the precise role of plus- and minus end-directed microtubule-based transport in axis formation is not yet understood.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1971-1981 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | Current Biology |
Volume | 12 |
Issue number | 23 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2002 |