# Spindle Orientation in Skin Development and Homeostasis

> **NIH NIH R01** · DUKE UNIVERSITY · 2021 · $444,496

## Abstract

Abstract
Cell division orientation must be tightly controlled for the generation of normal tissue architecture and cell
fates. In the skin, oriented cell divisions promote the stratification of the embryonic epidermis and
morphogenesis of hair follicles. In adults, spindle orientation buffers the epidermis against oncogenic insults
and tissue overgrowth. Given these important functions, it is paramount to understand the mechanisms by
which mitotic spindles are precisely oriented. While some of the proteins required for spindle orientation have
been identified, we do not fully understand how this molecular machinery generates forces on astral
microtubules to allow accurate control of cell division orientation. Our preliminary studies have identified novel
regulators of epidermal spindle orientation. Here we propose studies to undercover the underlying
mechanisms by which these proteins affect division orientation. Further, we will use novel mouse models to
define how spindle orientation contributes to hair follicle morphogenesis and adult epidermal homeostasis.
Together, these data will provide a deeper mechanistic understanding of spindle orientation which has
essential functions in epidermal, cardiac and neural development as well as the adaptive immune response.
In addition, this work has direct relevance for understanding how spindle orientation controls cell fates in hair
development, and how it acts to suppress tissue overgrowth when homeostasis is perturbed.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10138769
- **Project number:** 2R01AR067203-06A1
- **Recipient organization:** DUKE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Terry H Lechler
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $444,496
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2015-09-01 → 2026-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10138769

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10138769, Spindle Orientation in Skin Development and Homeostasis (2R01AR067203-06A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10138769. Licensed CC0.

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