The mechanism of signaling receptor delivery to primary cilia involves a specific cellular role of a Rab protein that is critical for vertebrate development.
The three-dimensional structures of 50 sensory cilia present in the head of the adult C. elegans hermaphrodite have been reconstructed to provide a foundation for investigations into the mechanisms by which the diversity of cilia structures is generated and how this structural diversity is related to specific sensory neuron functions.
Direct patch clamp of ependymal motile cilia reveals that voltage-gated calcium channels in the cell body dominate their electrical and calcium signaling properties.
Primary cilia of neural crest-derived cells mediate Indian hedgehog-induced signal transduction in the periocular mesenchyme and are required for normal anterior segment development.
Primary cilia on endothelial cells are required for VEGF-A/ VEGFR2-dependent signaling, islet vascularization and, consequently, nutrient delivery and insulin disposal.
Pathogenic LRRK2kinase requires Rab10 and RILPL1 to block primary cilia formation, shortening cilia on cholinergic neurons needed for a hedgehog driven circuit that supports dopaminergic neurons in mouse brain.
Genetic studies in mice reveal the molecular and embryological mechanisms of vocal fold development and function, thereby informing our understanding of vocal communication and congenital voice defects.