Table 1.

The impact of polarity on cell functions

Function	Mechanism	References
Asymmetric division	Uneven distribution of key proteins known as fate determinants (including Numb, Brat, PAR, aPKC) and organelles during mitosis lead to asymmetric division	16 and 17
Development and differentiation	Uneven distribution of key polarity proteins results in asymmetric division and differentiation of progenitor cells. This phenomenon along with the organism’s body axes in planar polarity are required for functional formation of wings, eyes, ears and other organs	6, 12, 16, and 27
Migration	Polarity leads to upregulation and redistribution of proteins including Cdc42, Rac and PAR to the leading/front edge of the cell resulting in directional migration of cells	11, 31, and 32
Cancer	Polarity contributes to the initiation of disease by increased asymmetric divisions and progression of disease through increased migration and metastasis by the upregulation of Cdc42	39, 42, 47
Immune Response	Polarization of proteins and fate determinants during early encounters with antigen regulate T lymphocyte differentiation to effector or central memory phenotype	53, 54, and 55