Loss of tissue organization, including disruption of epithelial polarity, is a feature of many carcinomas. Activation of the oncogenic receptor tyrosine kinase, ErbB2, induces alterations in epithelial architecture, but the mechanisms underlying this effect are poorly understood. New data suggests that the polarity proteins, Par6 and atypical PKC, may affect epithelial polarity and cell survival through interactions with an ErbB2 receptor complex.
- Stephanie J. Walker
- Joan S. Brugge