A microtubule-organizing center directing intracellular transport in the early mouse embryo

• DOI: 10.1126/science.aam9335
• Publication Date: 2017-08-31T17:45:23Z
• Authors: J. Zenker; M. D. White; R. M. Templin; R. G. Parton; O. Thorn-Seshold; S. Bissiere; N. Plachta
• Keywords: Intracellular transport; Center (category theory)

How microtubules organize in embryos Cell functions ranging from cell division to morphogenesis rely on microtubules, with microtubule-organizing centers serving as anchoring sites for their outgrowth. Although the centrosome organizes microtubule cytoskeleton most animal cells, this organelle is absent early development. Using live-cell imaging, Zenker et al. found that cells of mouse embryo are connected by stable bridges direct growth within them. Microtubules emanating help guide transport key proteins, including E-cadherin, membrane control polarization during Science , issue p. 925