INTU Activators

INTU, also known as inturned planar cell polarity protein, is a crucial regulator of the planar cell polarity (PCP) signaling pathway, which orchestrates the coordinated orientation of cells within epithelial tissues during development. As a core component of the PCP pathway, INTU plays a pivotal role in establishing cellular polarity along the axis perpendicular to the apical-basal axis of epithelial cells. Through its interactions with other PCP proteins, such as VANGL and FZD, INTU contributes to the formation of functional protein complexes that mediate cell-cell communication and signaling events essential for proper tissue morphogenesis and organogenesis. Specifically, INTU functions in the regulation of cellular processes including cell migration, tissue patterning, and morphogenetic movements, ensuring the precise alignment and arrangement of cells within developing tissues.

The activation of INTU within the PCP signaling pathway involves a series of intricate molecular events that modulate its function and activity. One mechanism of activation is through protein-protein interactions, wherein INTU forms complexes with other PCP proteins, leading to the activation of downstream signaling cascades. Additionally, post-translational modifications such as phosphorylation or ubiquitination may regulate INTU's activity, influencing its stability, subcellular localization, and ability to interact with binding partners. Furthermore, INTU activation may be modulated by extracellular cues and environmental signals that regulate the expression and localization of PCP components, thereby initiating signaling events that culminate in the establishment of cellular polarity and tissue patterning. Overall, elucidating the mechanisms of INTU activation provides insights into its pivotal role in PCP signaling and its contribution to the proper development and organization of epithelial tissues.