UNVEILING THE DIVERSITY OF MOTILE CILIA: A BREAKTHROUGH IN UNDERSTANDING CILIARY FUNCTION

astar-image-placeholder Dr. Sudipto ROY, IMCB Senior Principal Investigator

Cilia, the tiny hair-like structures on the surface of cells, are essential to various physiological processes, including movement and fluid flow. The Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB) research team, led by Senior Investigator Dr. Sudipto Roy, has made a significant discovery regarding the molecular diversity among vertebrate motile cilia, which has profound implications for our understanding of ciliary diseases.

The study focused on two types of motile cilia: the (9+2) and (9+0) cilia. These cilia types are integral to many biological functions, but their distinct molecular compositions and roles have remained elusive. By investigating key proteins, Cfap53 and Mns1, the team revealed how these proteins exhibit different localization patterns in the two cilia types, contributing to their specialized functions. This discovery was achieved using advanced imaging and molecular techniques, shedding light on the complex architecture and functional diversity of cilia across different tissues and species.

astar-image-placeholder Confocal image showing localization of Odad1, a ciliary dynein docking complex member, at the base of cilia in the zebrafish left-right organizer. The border shows confocal image of cilia in the kidney duct where Odad1 localizes along the axonemes. Odad1 was detected using antibodies to GFP (fused to the C-terminus of Odad1) (green), while ciliary axonemes and nuclei were labelled with anti-acetylated tubulin antibodies (magenta) and DAPI (blue), respectively. See Research article by Lu et al. ( Development (2024) 151 (14): dev202737.). Image credit: Hao Lu and Sudipto Roy.

Dr. Roy and his team emphasized the importance of understanding the diverse molecular landscape of motile cilia. This knowledge is crucial for developing targeted therapies for ciliary disorders, which can impact various health conditions, including respiratory issues and fertility.

The study’s insights into the structure and function of motile cilia pave the way for new approaches to diagnosing and treating ciliary diseases. By understanding the specific roles of different cilia types, researchers can better target the underlying causes of conditions that arise from ciliary dysfunction.