Annexin A1 is a polarity cue that directs mitotic spindle orientation during mammalian epithelial morphogenesis

Oriented cell divisions are critical for the formation and maintenance of structured epithelia. Proper mitotic spindle orientation relies on polarised anchoring of force generators to the cell cortex by the evolutionarily conserved protein complex formed by the G(alpha i) subunit of heterotrimeric G proteins, the Leucine-Glycine-Asparagine repeat protein (LGN) and the nuclear mitotic apparatus protein. However, the polarity cues that control cortical patterning of this ternary complex remain largely unknown in mammalian epithelia. Here we identify the membrane-associated protein Annexin A1 (ANXA1) as an interactor of LGN in mammary epithelial cells. Annexin A1 acts independently of G(alpha i) to instruct the accumulation of LGN and nuclear mitotic apparatus protein at the lateral cortex to ensure cortical anchoring of Dynein-Dynactin and astral microtubules and thereby planar alignment of the mitotic spindle. Loss of Annexin A1 randomises mitotic spindle orientation, which in turn disrupts epithelial architecture and luminogenesis in three-dimensional cultures of primary mammary epithelial cells. Our findings establish Annexin A1 as an upstream cortical cue that regulates LGN to direct planar cell divisions during mammalian epithelial morphogenesis.

Automated summary

Oriented cell divisions, crucial for structured epithelial formation and maintenance, rely on polarised anchoring of force generators to the cell cortex. This anchoring is regulated by the interaction between the G(alpha i) subunit, LGN, and the nuclear mitotic apparatus protein. Annexin A1 is identified as an interactor of LGN, able to instruct cortical accumulation of LGN and the nuclear mitotic apparatus protein for proper spindle alignment. Loss of Annexin A1 disrupts spindle orientation, resulting in epithelial architectural and luminogenic defects in mammary epithelial cells in three-dimensional cultures.