Cancer Stem Cell & Oncology Research

Cellular Polarity and Asymmetric Division

Cellular polarity is a fundamental biological feature that influences how cancer stem cells divide and distribute cellular components. Polarity establishes spatial differences within the cell, guiding the orientation of the mitotic spindle and determining the fate of daughter cells. During asymmetric division, polarity ensures that one daughter cell retains stem cell characteristics while the other undergoes differentiation. In cancer stem cells, polarity mechanisms are frequently disrupted, leading to altered division patterns. This disruption may result in excessive self renewal or abnormal differentiation. Despite these abnormalities, cancer stem cells often retain partial polarity, allowing flexible control over division outcomes. The distribution of signaling molecules, transcription factors, and organelles during division contributes to fate determination. Altered polarity enhances tumor expansion by favoring stem cell maintenance. Understanding the biological role of polarity in cancer stem cells helps explain how tumors sustain long term growth and cellular diversity.