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.

虽然微管动力学和组织已经在 体外进行了广泛的研究，包括生化和培养细胞，但最近的工作已经开始将其扩展到离体组织和体内生物体。遗传工具和成像技术的进步使得研究表皮复层上皮中微管的动力学、功能和组织成为可能。在这里，我们讨论了最近的工作，这些工作强调了微管在支持表皮功能方面所起的不同作用。这些发现表明，研究组织中的微管不仅揭示了表皮生物学的新方面，而且揭示了微管调节的新原理。