Adherens junctions are involved in polarized contractile ring formation in dividing epithelial cells of Xenopus laevis embryos

Cells dividing in the plane of epithelial tissues proceed by polarized constriction actomyosin contractile ring, leading to asymmetric ingression plasma mem brane. Asymmetric cytokinesis results apical positioning ring and ultimately midbody. Studies have indicated that is associated with adherens junctions, whose role maintain tissue cohesion. However, it yet unknown when becomes junctions cells. Here, we examined formation activation epithelium Xenopus embryos explored implication formation. We show accumulation proteins involved polarized, starting at cell-cell contacts presumptive division site spreading within seconds towards cell basal side. also are kinetics Our study reveals link between established from onset cytokinesis.