Yusuke Mii

Wnt signaling and tissue tension reconstitute planar cell polarity in vitro

The paper reconstitutes planar cell polarity in cultured epithelial cells by integrating Wnt signaling, tissue tension, and Prickle3 overexpression, showing their roles in polarity axis establishment and direction.

Emergence of cell polarity by reciprocal interactions between Wnt and core PCP components

This study shows that Wnt11 and core PCP components interact reciprocally to establish cell polarity in Xenopus embryos without relying on Wnt gradients.

Differential spreading behaviors of Nodal signalling molecules in the extracellular space cooperatively shape left-right asymmetry

The paper shows how Nodal and Gdf1 spread freely while Dand5 is immobilized, shaping left-right asymmetry in zebrafish embryos.

Dynamic polarization of heparan sulfate proteoglycans is involved in planar cell polarity and localization of endogenous Wnt11 during vertebrate neural tube formation.

The paper shows that heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) are dynamically polarized during vertebrate neural tube formation, interacting with Wnt11 and core PCP components to establish planar cell polarity.

Identification of N-acetyl-rich heparan sulfate binding motifs and their role in expanding BMP distribution and signaling by Cerberus

The paper identifies NAc-HS binding motifs in Cerberus and shows they expand BMP4 distribution and signaling by relocating BMP4 from NS-HS to NAc-HS.

Asymmetric requirement of Dpp/BMP morphogen dispersal in the Drosophila wing disc

The paper shows that Dpp/BMP morphogen dispersal is not strictly required for overall wing patterning and growth in Drosophila, challenging a long-standing dogma.

Quantitative analyses reveal extracellular dynamics of Wnt ligands in Xenopus embryos

The paper quantifies Wnt8 ligand dynamics in Xenopus embryos, showing most Wnt8 is bound to cell surfaces with dynamic exchange, leading to a graded distribution.

Improvement of phycocyanobilin synthesis for genetically encoded phytochrome-based optogenetics.

The paper improves a PCB synthesis system for a PhyB-PIF optogenetic tool, enabling stable expression and light-inducible dimerization in cells.