Seydoux explains how the PAR domains reorganize other proteins in the cytoplasm of the one-cell embryo and creates a body axis. MEX-5 is an RNA-binding protein that localizes to the anterior side of the embryo, forming a concentration gradient in the cytoplasm. Excitingly, her lab discovered that the MEX-5 gradient is caused entirely by the difference in diffusion rates between two MEX-5 species! The shift between the two species is controlled by PAR-1-mediated phosphorylation. This simple mechanism explains how a protein can become localized to a particular area of the cell without directed transport.
View the full talk with additional resources on our website
How to Create a Body Axis
Geraldine Seydoux introduces how the sperm divides the egg into distinct anterior and posterior domains shortly after fertilization to create the body axis. (Talk recorded in August 2017)
- Part 1: From Egg to Worm: How to Create a Body AxisAudience:
- Student
- Researcher
- Educators of H. School / Intro Undergrad
- Educators of Adv. Undergrad / Grad
Duration: 29:46 - Part 2: How to Polarize the CytoplasmAudience:
- Student
- Researcher
- Educators of H. School / Intro Undergrad
- Educators of Adv. Undergrad / Grad
Duration: 25:17