Junctions as Organizing Centers in Epithelial Cells? A Fly Perspective

Abstract
Junctions isolate the apical from the basal–lateral surfaces and are required for the polarization of epithelial cells. Genetics of junction formation in Drosophila has identified numerous transmembrane and scaffolding proteins that assemble in membrane‐associated complexes. This review focuses on recent findings suggesting that junctions are autonomous organizing centers for the establishment and maintenance of apical‐basal polarity in epithelial cells as well as other polarized processes such as the orientation of the division apparatus.