microtubules

September 5, 2019

The plus and minus of microtubules

Understanding the dynamic regulation of cytoskeletal microtubules may suggest new ways to treat disorders ranging from Alzheimer’s disease to cancer.

By Bill Snyder

July 29, 2019

New role for microtubules in diabetes

Microtubules — part of the cell’s cytoskeleton — regulate the secretion of insulin, suggesting that they may be a new target for treating diabetes.

By Bill Snyder

August 2, 2018

How asters form

New findings shed light on the formation of microtubule structures that support cellular processes ranging from cell division to intracellular transport.

By VUMC News and Communications

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

January 4, 2018

Research sheds light on how microtubules are assembled

Microtubules are the “railroad tracks” essential for moving intracellular “freight” around in the cell. They’re also part of the spindle that pulls the two centrosomes apart during cell division.

By Bill Snyder

December 3, 2015

Microtubules act as cellular ‘rheostat’ to control insulin secretion

Microtubules — cellular “highways” that deliver cargo to the cell membrane for secretion — have a surprising role in pancreatic beta cells. Instead of facilitating glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, they limit it, a team of Vanderbilt investigators reported recently in Developmental Cell.

By Leigh MacMillan

March 5, 2015

Zanic’s journey to the lab followed winding path

It’s roughly 5,000 miles from Croatia to Tennessee as the crow flies.

By VUMC News and Communications

October 30, 2014

VU study reveals factor’s new role in cell division, migration

Vanderbilt University investigators have discovered a new molecular mechanism that regulates microtubule dynamics. The unexpected finding, reported in Developmental Cell, has implications for cancer drug discovery.