epithelial

September 19, 2019

Microvilli in motion

Live cell imaging studies have revealed that microvilli — finger-like protrusions on the surface of epithelial cells — move and collide as they form the brush border.

By Anivarya Kumar
February 28, 2019

Protein loss promotes cell migration

The protein kinase STK17A plays a novel role in epithelial cells and its loss may contribute to colorectal cancer invasion and metastasis, Vanderbilt researchers report.

By Leigh MacMillan
January 31, 2018

Cell skeleton and the brush border

Vanderbilt researchers have discovered a role for microtubules — part of the cellular “skeleton” — in organizing the unique sidedness of the epithelial cells that line organs like the intestines.

By Leigh MacMillan
November 29, 2012

Polarity protein suppresses tumor growth, invasion

The machinery that builds the characteristic shape of epithelial cells suppresses breast cancer formation and metastasis in a mouse model.

By Leigh MacMillan
May 14, 2012

Intestinal artillery launches anti-bacterial attack

The epithelial cells that line the intestines have a newly discovered mechanism for protecting us against microbes: they fire anti-bacterial “bullets” into the gut.

By Leigh MacMillan
March 18, 2011

Protein combos keep cells straight

Researchers define the protein interactions that establish our organs’ lining.

By VUMC News and Communications