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

In C. elegans seam cells, CWN-1, CWN-2, and EGL-20, their receptors, and Dishevelled localize asymmetrically to the posterior in an interdependent, punctate pattern.

• Why it matters: It is unclear how non-migrating cells read signaling gradients to set polarity, especially how Wnt signaling is coordinated with intrinsic cues during asymmetric division.
• What they did: The study examined localization of Wnt proteins, their receptors, and Dvl in seam cells and tested Wnt dependence, focusing on membrane-associated puncta that colocalize receptors with Dvl.
• The result: Receptor and Dvl puncta are Wnt-dependent, supporting positive-feedback linking Wnt localization to cell polarity, while CWN-2’s posterior localization despite anterior expression implies intrinsic polarity cues also shape Wnt positioning.

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