Three-Dimensional Analysis of Cell Division Orientation in Epidermal Basal Layer Using Intravital Two-Photon Microscopy

The study utilized a non-invasive intravital imaging approach to analyze cell division orientation in the epidermal basal layer of R26H2BEGFP hairless mice across different body sites. Using four-dimensional imaging, researchers observed that cell divisions in the dorsal and ear epidermis were primarily parallel to the basement membrane, while divisions in the hind paw and tail epidermis occurred in both parallel and oblique orientations. The analysis demonstrated a correlation between epidermal thickness, basal cell density, and the rate of oblique divisions, highlighting the variability in epidermal structures across different body sites.