Terry H. Lechler | Scholars@Duke

Terry H. Lechler
Professor in Dermatology

My lab is interested in understanding how tissue architecture and physiology are controlled. We study this in a variety of organ systems, including the skin the gut, and with approaches ranging from in vitro reconstitution to in vivo mouse models. Our goal is to understand the underlying cell biology controlling tissue development and function. We are particularly interested in the roles of cell-cell interactions, adhesion and the cytoskeleton in the control of stem cell fate and differentiation.

Current Appointments & Affiliations

Professor in Dermatology, Dermatology, Clinical Science Departments 2020
Associate Professor of Cell Biology, Cell Biology, Basic Science Departments 2014
Professor in Cell Biology, Cell Biology, Basic Science Departments 2020
Member of the Duke Cancer Institute, Duke Cancer Institute, Institutes and Centers 2006
Affiliate of the Duke Regeneration Center, Regeneration Next Initiative, Basic Science Departments 2021

Contact Information

310 Nanaline Duke Bldg, Durham, NC 27710
Duke Box 3709, Durham, NC 27710
terry.lechler@duke.edu (919) 684-4550
Lechler Lab Hompepage

Background
Education, Training, & Certifications
- Postdoctoral Associate, Rockefeller University 2002 - 2006
- Ph.D., Harvard University 2001
Previous Appointments & Affiliations
- Associate Professor in Dermatology, Dermatology, Clinical Science Departments 2016 - 2020
- Associate Professor of Dermatology, Dermatology, Clinical Science Departments 2013 - 2016
- Assistant Professor of Dermatology, Dermatology, Clinical Science Departments 2011 - 2013
- Assistant Professor of Cell Biology, Cell Biology, Basic Science Departments 2006 - 2013
Recognition
In the News
- APR 15, 2022 School of Medicine
  
  School of Medicine Celebrates 2022 Faculty Achievement Awards
Awards & Honors
Expertise
Subject Headings
Research
Selected Grants
- Duke Training Grant in Digestive Diseases and Nutrition awarded by National Institutes of Health 1988 - 2027
- Regulatory Functions of the Differentiated Epidermis awarded by National Institutes of Health 2022 - 2027
- Training Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology awarded by National Institutes of Health 2001 - 2027
- Spindle Orientation in Skin Development and Homeostasis awarded by National Institutes of Health 2021 - 2026
- Cell and Molecular Biology Training Program awarded by National Institutes of Health 2021 - 2026
- Genetic and Genomics Training Grant awarded by National Institutes of Health 2020 - 2025
- Genetic approaches to skin regeneration in zebrafish awarded by National Institutes of Health 2020 - 2025
- Translational Regulation by Desmosomes awarded by National Institutes of Health 2021 - 2023
- Cellular and Environmental Regulation of Protein Absorption and Utilization in the Early Intestine awarded by National Institutes of Health 2019 - 2022
- Intestinal Morphogenesis and Differentiation awarded by National Institutes of Health 2018 - 2022
- A microtubule catastrophe factor regulates stem cell position and number in the skin awarded by National Institutes of Health 2018 - 2021
- Super-resolution Imaging via Multiple Modalities with the Zeiss Elyra 7 awarded by National Institutes of Health 2020 - 2021
- Role of Cell Adhesion and the Cytoskeleton in Epidermal Integrity awarded by National Institutes of Health 2015 - 2021
- Intermediate Cell Functions in Epidermal Development awarded by National Institutes of Health 2018 - 2021
- Genetics Training Grant awarded by National Institutes of Health 1979 - 2020
- Organization and Function of Cellular Structure awarded by National Institutes of Health 1975 - 2020
- Differentiation Induced Changes in Centrosomes and Microtubule Organization awarded by National Institutes of Health 2014 - 2019
- Cell and tissue responses to desmosome disruption awarded by Dermatology Foundation 2014 - 2015
- Mechanisms Driving Asymmetric Cell Division in the Epidermis awarded by National Institutes of Health 2011 - 2012
Publications & Artistic Works
Selected Publications
- Academic Articles
  - Bara, Anne M., Lei Chen, Celina Ma, Julie Underwood, Rebecca S. Moreci, Kaelyn Sumigray, Tongyu Sun, Yarui Diao, Michael Verzi, and Terry Lechler. “Maf family transcription factors are required for nutrient uptake in the mouse neonatal gut.” Development 149, no. 23 (December 1, 2022). https://doi.org/10.1242/dev.201251.
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  - Hinnant, Taylor, and Terry Lechler. “Hair follicle stem cells feel the pressure.” Cell Stem Cell 29, no. 1 (January 6, 2022): 1–2. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stem.2021.12.001.
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  - Moreci, Rebecca S., and Terry Lechler. “KIF18B is a cell type-specific regulator of spindle orientation in the epidermis.” Mol Biol Cell 32, no. 21 (November 1, 2021): ar29. https://doi.org/10.1091/mbc.E21-06-0291.
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  - Kim, Yong-Bae, Daniel Hlavaty, Jeff Maycock, and Terry Lechler. “Roles for Ndel1 in keratin organization and desmosome function.” Mol Biol Cell 32, no. 20 (October 1, 2021): ar2. https://doi.org/10.1091/mbc.E21-02-0087.
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  - Lechler, Terry, and Marina Mapelli. “Spindle positioning and its impact on vertebrate tissue architecture and cell fate.” Nature Reviews. Molecular Cell Biology 22, no. 10 (October 2021): 691–708. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41580-021-00384-4.
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  - Ning, Wenxiu, Andrew Muroyama, Hua Li, and Terry Lechler. “Differentiated Daughter Cells Regulate Stem Cell Proliferation and Fate through Intra-tissue Tension.” Cell Stem Cell 28, no. 3 (March 4, 2021): 436-452.e5. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stem.2020.11.002.
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  - Hlavaty, Daniel, and Terry Lechler. “Roles for microtubules in the proliferative and differentiated cells of stratified epithelia.” Curr Opin Cell Biol 68 (February 2021): 98–104. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ceb.2020.10.002.
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  - Wang, Sha, James P. Roy, Abigail J. Tomlinson, Ellen B. Wang, Yu-Hwai Tsai, Lisa Cameron, Julie Underwood, et al. “RYK-mediated filopodial pathfinding facilitates midgut elongation.” Development 147, no. 20 (October 27, 2020). https://doi.org/10.1242/dev.195388.
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  - Badu-Nkansah, Kwabena A., and Terry Lechler. “Proteomic analysis of desmosomes reveals novel components required for epidermal integrity.” Mol Biol Cell 31, no. 11 (May 15, 2020): 1140–53. https://doi.org/10.1091/mbc.E19-09-0542.
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  - Moreci, Rebecca S., and Terry Lechler. “Epidermal structure and differentiation.” Curr Biol 30, no. 4 (February 24, 2020): R144–49. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2020.01.004.
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  - Park, Jieun, Daniel S. Levic, Kaelyn D. Sumigray, Jennifer Bagwell, Oznur Eroglu, Carina L. Block, Cagla Eroglu, et al. “Lysosome-Rich Enterocytes Mediate Protein Absorption in the Vertebrate Gut.” Dev Cell 51, no. 1 (October 7, 2019): 7-20.e6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.devcel.2019.08.001.
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  - Morrow, Angel, Julie Underwood, Lindsey Seldin, Taylor Hinnant, and Terry Lechler. “Regulated spindle orientation buffers tissue growth in the epidermis.” Elife 8 (October 2, 2019). https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.48482.
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  - Sumigray, Kaelyn, and Terry Lechler. “Cellular Dynamics Driving Elongation of the Gut.” Dev Cell 46, no. 2 (July 16, 2018): 127–28. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.devcel.2018.06.027.
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  - Muroyama, Andrew, Michael Terwilliger, Bushu Dong, Harrison Suh, and Terry Lechler. “Genetically induced microtubule disruption in the mouse intestine impairs intracellular organization and transport.” Mol Biol Cell 29, no. 13 (July 1, 2018): 1533–41. https://doi.org/10.1091/mbc.E18-01-0057.
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  - Sumigray, Kaelyn D., Michael Terwilliger, and Terry Lechler. “Morphogenesis and Compartmentalization of the Intestinal Crypt.” Dev Cell 45, no. 2 (April 23, 2018): 183-197.e5. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.devcel.2018.03.024.
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  - Muroyama, Andrew, and Terry Lechler. “A transgenic toolkit for visualizing and perturbing microtubules reveals unexpected functions in the epidermis.” Elife 6 (September 4, 2017). https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.29834.
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  - Muroyama, Andrew, and Terry Lechler. “Microtubule organization, dynamics and functions in differentiated cells.” Development 144, no. 17 (September 1, 2017): 3012–21. https://doi.org/10.1242/dev.153171.
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  - Lechler, Terry, and Rafael E. Carazo Salas. “Editorial overview: Cell architecture: Mechanisms and scales of cellular organization and decision making.” Curr Opin Cell Biol 44 (February 2017): iv–v. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ceb.2017.03.009.
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  - Muroyama, Andrew, Lindsey Seldin, and Terry Lechler. “Divergent regulation of functionally distinct γ-tubulin complexes during differentiation.” J Cell Biol 213, no. 6 (June 20, 2016): 679–92. https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201601099.
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  - Zhang, Xiaoling, Joseph Wu, Suju Luo, Terry Lechler, and Jennifer Y. Zhang. “FRA1 promotes squamous cell carcinoma growth and metastasis through distinct AKT and c-Jun dependent mechanisms.” Oncotarget 7, no. 23 (June 7, 2016): 34371–83. https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.9110.
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  - Seldin, Lindsey, Andrew Muroyama, and Terry Lechler. “NuMA-microtubule interactions are critical for spindle orientation and the morphogenesis of diverse epidermal structures.” Elife 5 (January 14, 2016). https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.12504.
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  - Morrow, Angel, and Terry Lechler. “Studying cell biology in the skin.” Mol Biol Cell 26, no. 23 (November 15, 2015): 4183–86. https://doi.org/10.1091/mbc.E15-04-0246.
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  - Zhou, Kang, Kaelyn D. Sumigray, and Terry Lechler. “The Arp2/3 complex has essential roles in vesicle trafficking and transcytosis in the mammalian small intestine.” Mol Biol Cell 26, no. 11 (June 1, 2015): 1995–2004. https://doi.org/10.1091/mbc.E14-10-1481.
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  - Sumigray, Kaelyn D., and Terry Lechler. “Cell adhesion in epidermal development and barrier formation.” Curr Top Dev Biol 112 (2015): 383–414. https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.ctdb.2014.11.027.
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  - Lechler, T. “Arp2/3 complex function in the epidermis.” Tissue Barriers 2, no. 4 (October 30, 2014). https://doi.org/10.4161/21688362.2014.944445.
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  - Huebner, Robert J., Terry Lechler, and Andrew J. Ewald. “Developmental stratification of the mammary epithelium occurs through symmetry-breaking vertical divisions of apically positioned luminal cells.” Development 141, no. 5 (March 2014): 1085–94. https://doi.org/10.1242/dev.103333.
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  - Sumigray, Kaelyn, Kang Zhou, and Terry Lechler. “Cell-cell adhesions and cell contractility are upregulated upon desmosome disruption.” Plos One 9, no. 7 (2014): e101824. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0101824.
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  - Seldin, Lindsey, Nicholas D. Poulson, Henry P. Foote, and Terry Lechler. “NuMA localization, stability, and function in spindle orientation involve 4.1 and Cdk1 interactions.” Mol Biol Cell 24, no. 23 (December 2013): 3651–62. https://doi.org/10.1091/mbc.E13-05-0277.
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  - Zhou, Kang, Andrew Muroyama, Julie Underwood, Rebecca Leylek, Samriddha Ray, Scott H. Soderling, and Terry Lechler. “Actin-related protein2/3 complex regulates tight junctions and terminal differentiation to promote epidermal barrier formation.” Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 110, no. 40 (October 1, 2013): E3820–29. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1308419110.
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  - Ray, Samriddha, Henry P. Foote, and Terry Lechler. “beta-Catenin protects the epidermis from mechanical stresses.” J Cell Biol 202, no. 1 (July 8, 2013): 45–52. https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201212140.
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  - Foote, Henry P., Kaelyn D. Sumigray, and Terry Lechler. “FRAP analysis reveals stabilization of adhesion structures in the epidermis compared to cultured keratinocytes.” Plos One 8, no. 8 (2013): e71491. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0071491.
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  - Sumigray, Kaelyn D., Henry P. Foote, and Terry Lechler. “Noncentrosomal microtubules and type II myosins potentiate epidermal cell adhesion and barrier formation.” J Cell Biol 199, no. 3 (October 29, 2012): 513–25. https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201206143.
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  - Muroyama, Andrew, and Terry Lechler. “Polarity and stratification of the epidermis.” Semin Cell Dev Biol 23, no. 8 (October 2012): 890–96. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.semcdb.2012.08.008.
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  - Sumigray, Kaelyn D., and Terry Lechler. “Desmoplakin controls microvilli length but not cell adhesion or keratin organization in the intestinal epithelium.” Mol Biol Cell 23, no. 5 (March 2012): 792–99. https://doi.org/10.1091/mbc.E11-11-0923.
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  - Lechler, Terry. “Adherens junctions and stem cells.” Subcell Biochem 60 (2012): 359–77. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-4186-7_15.
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  - Poulson, Nicholas D., and Terry Lechler. “Asymmetric cell divisions in the epidermis.” Int Rev Cell Mol Biol 295 (2012): 199–232. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-394306-4.00012-5.
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  - Sumigray, Kaelyn D., Hsin Chen, and Terry Lechler. “Lis1 is essential for cortical microtubule organization and desmosome stability in the epidermis.” J Cell Biol 194, no. 4 (August 22, 2011): 631–42. https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201104009.
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  - Ray, Samriddha, and Terry Lechler. “Regulation of asymmetric cell division in the epidermis.” Cell Div 6, no. 1 (June 6, 2011): 12. https://doi.org/10.1186/1747-1028-6-12.
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  - Poulson, Nicholas D., and Terry Lechler. “Robust control of mitotic spindle orientation in the developing epidermis.” J Cell Biol 191, no. 5 (November 29, 2010): 915–22. https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201008001.
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  - Sumigray, Kaelyn D., and Terry Lechler. “Dissecting cell adhesion cross-talk with micropatterns.” Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 107, no. 30 (July 27, 2010): 13199–200. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1008253107.
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  - Lechler, Terry. “Limiting lumens: a new role for Cdc42.” J Cell Biol 183, no. 4 (November 17, 2008): 575–77. https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.200809174.
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  - Lechler, Terry. “Terry Lechler: the cytoskeleton is skin deep. Interview by Nicole LeBrasseur.” J Cell Biol 178, no. 4 (August 13, 2007): 546–47. https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.1784pi.
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  - Lechler, Terry, and Elaine Fuchs. “Desmoplakin: an unexpected regulator of microtubule organization in the epidermis.” J Cell Biol 176, no. 2 (January 15, 2007): 147–54. https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.200609109.
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  - Lechler, Terry, and Elaine Fuchs. “Asymmetric cell divisions promote stratification and differentiation of mammalian skin.” Nature 437, no. 7056 (September 8, 2005): 275–80. https://doi.org/10.1038/nature03922.
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  - Kodama, Atsuko, Terry Lechler, and Elaine Fuchs. “Coordinating cytoskeletal tracks to polarize cellular movements.” J Cell Biol 167, no. 2 (October 25, 2004): 203–7. https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.200408047.
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  - Tinkle, Christopher L., Terry Lechler, H Amalia Pasolli, and Elaine Fuchs. “Conditional targeting of E-cadherin in skin: insights into hyperproliferative and degenerative responses.” Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 101, no. 2 (January 13, 2004): 552–57. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0307437100.
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  - Yarrow, Justin C., Terry Lechler, Rong Li, and Timothy J. Mitchison. “Rapid de-localization of actin leading edge components with BDM treatment.” Bmc Cell Biol 4 (June 3, 2003): 5. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2121-4-5.
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  - Soulard, Alexandre, Terry Lechler, Vladislav Spiridonov, Andrej Shevchenko, Anna Shevchenko, Rong Li, and Barbara Winsor. “Saccharomyces cerevisiae Bzz1p is implicated with type I myosins in actin patch polarization and is able to recruit actin-polymerizing machinery in vitro.” Mol Cell Biol 22, no. 22 (November 2002): 7889–7906. https://doi.org/10.1128/MCB.22.22.7889-7906.2002.
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  - Lechler, T., G. A. Jonsdottir, S. K. Klee, D. Pellman, and R. Li. “A two-tiered mechanism by which Cdc42 controls the localization and activation of an Arp2/3-activating motor complex in yeast.” J Cell Biol 155, no. 2 (October 15, 2001): 261–70. https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.200104094.
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  - Egile, C., T. Lechler, and R. Li. “Beyond a 'skeleton': Understanding cellular functions of the cytoskeleton.” Genome Biology 2, no. 3 (April 10, 2001).
  - Lechler, T., A. Shevchenko, and R. Li. “Direct involvement of yeast type I myosins in Cdc42-dependent actin polymerization.” J Cell Biol 148, no. 2 (January 24, 2000): 363–73. https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.148.2.363.
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  - Winter, D., T. Lechler, and R. Li. “Activation of the yeast Arp2/3 complex by Bee1p, a WASP-family protein.” Curr Biol 9, no. 9 (May 6, 1999): 501–4. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0960-9822(99)80218-8.
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  - Xiao, W., T. Lechler, B. L. Chow, T. Fontanie, M. Agustus, K. C. Carter, and Y. F. Wei. “Identification, chromosomal mapping and tissue-specific expression of hREV3 encoding a putative human DNA polymerase zeta.” Carcinogenesis 19, no. 5 (May 1998): 945–49. https://doi.org/10.1093/carcin/19.5.945.
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  - Lechler, T., and R. Li. “In vitro reconstitution of cortical actin assembly sites in budding yeast.” J Cell Biol 138, no. 1 (July 14, 1997): 95–103. https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.138.1.95.
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  - Dimmock, J. R., R. N. Puthucode, J. M. Smith, M. Hetherington, J. W. Quail, U. Pugazhenthi, T. Lechler, and J. P. Stables. “(Aryloxy)aryl semicarbazones and related compounds: a novel class of anticonvulsant agents possessing high activity in the maximal electroshock screen.” J Med Chem 39, no. 20 (September 27, 1996): 3984–97. https://doi.org/10.1021/jm9603025.
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  - Lechler, T. “Oxidized LDL as mediators of atherogenesis.” Herz Kreislauf 28, no. 9 (September 26, 1996): 276–81.
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Education, Training, & Certifications

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In the News

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Subject Headings

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Service to Duke