Roles for microtubules in the proliferative and differentiated cells of stratified epithelia Daniel Hlavaty and Terry Lechler

While microtubule dynamics and organization have been extensively studied in vitro, both biochemically and in cultured cells, recent work has begun to extend this into tissues ex vivo and organisms in vivo. Advances in genetic tools and imaging technology have allowed studies on the dynamics, function, and organization of microtubules in the stratified epithelia of the epidermis. Here, we discuss recent work that highlights the varied roles that microtubules play in supporting epidermal function. These findings demonstrate that studying microtubules in tissues has revealed not only novel aspects of epidermal biology but also new principles of microtubule regulation.

Automated summary

Recent studies have expanded research on microtubule dynamics and organization to tissues ex vivo and organisms in vivo, demonstrating the important roles microtubules play in stratified epithelia of the epidermis. These findings not only reveal the various roles of microtubules in supporting epidermal function, but also uncover new principles of microtubule regulation.