Abstract
Primary cilia are cell surface, microtubule-based organelles that dynamically extend from cells to receive and process molecular and mechanical signaling cues. In the last decade, this organelle has gained increasing popularity due to its ability to act as a cellular antenna, receive molecular stimuli, and respond to the cell's environment. A growing field of data suggests that various tissues utilize and interpret the loss of cilia in different ways. Thus, careful examination of the role of cilia on individual cell types and tissues is necessary. Neural crest cells (NCCs) are an excellent example of cells that survey their environment for developmental cues. In this review, we discuss how NCCs utilize primary cilia during their ontogenic development, paying special attention to the role primary cilia play in processing developmental signals required for NCC specification, migration, proliferation, and differentiation. We also discuss how the loss of functional cilia on cranial and trunk NCCs affects the development of various organ systems to which they contribute. A deeper understanding of ciliary function could contribute greatly to understanding the molecular mechanisms guiding NCC development and differentiation. Furthermore, superimposing the ciliary contribution on our current understanding of NCC development identifies new avenues for therapeutic intervention in neurocristopathies.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Current Topics in Developmental Biology |
Pages | 97-134 |
Number of pages | 38 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2015 |
Publication series
Name | Current Topics in Developmental Biology |
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Volume | 111 |
ISSN (Print) | 0070-2153 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© 2015 Elsevier Inc.
Keywords
- Ciliopathies
- Craniofacial
- Neural crest
- Primary cilia
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology