Author Response: NuMA-Microtubule Interactions Are Critical for Spindle Orientation and the Morphogenesis of Diverse Epidermal Structures

In this study, researchers demonstrated that interactions between the NuMA protein and microtubules were essential for proper spindle orientation and tissue morphogenesis in the skin, particularly affecting keratinocytes and hair follicles. They found that the dynein/dynactin complex alone was insufficient for spindle orientation, and that the microtubule-binding domain of NuMA, which targets microtubule tips, was necessary. Loss of these interactions led to defects in spindle orientation and epidermal differentiation, resulting in neonatal lethality and impaired hair follicle morphogenesis in adult mice. The study underscored the importance of NuMA-microtubule interactions in maintaining tissue structure and cell differentiation, suggesting that spindle orientation played a critical role in skin development and function.