Understanding post-mitotic roles of the midbody during cell differentiation and polarization.

The midbody (MB) is a microtubule-rich structure that forms between dividing cells during final stages of cytokinesis. Previously thought to be a transient structure, MBs are now suggested to have additional roles beyond regulating cytokinesis. While the role MBs play during abscission are now well established, their function in regulating polarity and cell signaling are only beginning to be understood. Due to the newly found interest in the structure and functions of MBs, new techniques must be developed for further studies of this once-thought transient structure. Here, we describe several approaches used to explore postmitotic roles of the MBs.