Neural Stem Cells in Drosophila: Molecular Genetic Mechanisms Underlying Normal Neural Proliferation and Abnormal Brain Tumor Formation

Figure 4

Asymmetric cell division in Drosophila neuroblasts. Apical (red) and basal (blue) proteins are asymmetrically segregated at cortical ends of the neuroblast at the time of mitosis. Members of the apical complex are involved in the asymmetric partitioning of basal determinants, in establishing cell polarity and in the correct orientation of the mitotic spindle. The apical complex consisting of aPKC, Par3, and Par6 is linked to the Gαi-PINS-MUD complex via Inscuteable. The basal complex consists of the cell-fate determinants, Miranda, Prospero, Brat, and Numb.