Anterior-posterior polarity in C. elegans and Drosophila - PARallels and differences

The eggs of Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila bear little similarity to each other, yet both depend on the par genes for control of anterior-posterior polarity. Here we explore possible common roles for the par genes (pars) in converting transient asymmetries into stably polarized axes. Although clear mechanistic parallels remain to be established, pardependent regulation of microtubule dynamics and protein stability emerge as common themes.