The last-born daughter cell contributes to division orientation of Drosophila larval neuroblasts

Controlling the orientation of cell division is important in the context of cell fate choices and tissue morphogenesis. However, the mechanisms providing the required positional information remain incompletely understood.

The orientation of cell division is important for cell fate choices and impacts on the morphology and function of tissues

Coupling spindle orientation to unequal segregation of fate determinants is one strategy during asymmetric cell division to generate different cell fates4,5. Spindle orientation also affects the placement of daughter cells after division. This can alter function and fate of the resulting daughter cells as the microenvironment in different positions can cause daughter cells to experience different signals6.

Deciphering the signals that provide positional information is a central issue in understanding how cell divisions are oriented.

how could a cue received at the basal pole direct polarization of Baz, at the opposite apical pole of the NB?

A promising lead for future work is the possible involvement of actomyosin-dependent mechanical forces in such long-range control of polarity in NBs.