Divide and polarize: recent advances in the molecular mechanism regulating epithelial tubulogenesis

► Tube formation requires coordinated polarized vesicle trafficking and cell division. ► The core-machinery for membrane lumen initiation is conserved from yeast to humans. ► Phosphoinositides and small GTPases regulate membrane trafficking during morphogenesis. ► Microtubule- and actin-binding proteins, and motors aid vesicle transport to the lumen. ► Cdc42 and the Par complex integrate cell division with polarity to form the lumen.