Advanced microscope studies of the cell polarization instructing activity of Ras proteins

Abstract

Ras gene mutations are detected in around 30% of human cancers. These mutations have been linked with polarity disruption in epithelial cells, a hallmark for cancer. Still, the cell depolarization mechanism remains unknown. Here, we investigate polarized cells by means of advanced fluorescence microscopy and spectroscopy approaches, such as superresolution STED microscopy, fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, and spectral imaging, to explore the differences between apical and basal membranes regarding lipid organization and Ras-lipid interactions.