Microtubules are essential regulators of invasive actin protrusions, podosomes. We study podosome regulation in vascular smooth muscle cells, which invade extracellular matrix during angiogenesis and atherosclerotic plaque formation. Because podosomes highly depend on Src signaling, this direction of research is to a large extent concentrated on microtubule regulation of Src tyrosine kinase localization and function.

Active Src induces multiple podosomes in vascular smooth muscle cells.

Microtubules support cellular Src relocation in vascular smooth muscle cells by delivery of Src-containing membrane carriers (arrows).

Now, we would like to know:

Is Src delivery the major mechanism whereby microtubules regulate podosomes? Is Src transport supported by a specific microtubule subset or a specific motor? Do microtubules facilitate Src activity besides localization?