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bioRxiv · 10.64898/2026.11.10.765564

Reciprocal regulation of Wnt, receptor and Dvl localizations during cell polarization

Tazhibayeva, S.·Matsuo, M.·Asakawa, M.·Miyazawa-Onami, M.·Negishi, T.·Pani, A. M.·Goldstein, B.·Sawa, H.
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Abstract

Migrating cells use multiple mechanisms to interpret signaling gradients and establish polarity. However, how non-migrating cells interpret such gradients remains poorly understood. In C. elegans, the polarity of asymmetrically dividing seam cells is redundantly regulated by three Wnt proteins: CWN-1, CWN-2, and EGL-20. Here, we show that these Wnts, their receptors, and Dishevelled (Dvl) proteins localize asymmetrically to the posterior side of seam cells in an interdependent manner. The receptors and Dvl colocalize in Wnt-dependent, membrane-associated puncta resembling signalosomes. These findings support positive-feedback mechanisms that links Wnt localization to cell polarity. Because posteriorly expressed CWN-1 and EGL-20 have instructive roles in seam cell polarity, this mechanism may help cells interpret their gradients. In contrast, despite its anterior expression, CWN-2 localizes posteriorly, suggesting that intrinsic polarity cues also contribute to Wnt localization. Together, these findings suggest that feedback integrates Wnt gradients with intrinsic polarity cues to robustly orient cell polarity.

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Tazhibayeva, S., Matsuo, M., Asakawa, M., Miyazawa-Onami, M., Negishi, T., Pani, A. M., Goldstein, B., Sawa, H.. 2026-11-12. Reciprocal regulation of Wnt, receptor and Dvl localizations during cell polarization. https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.11.10.765564

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