The Multifaceted Roles of Cilia in Physiological and Pathological Conditions

Cilia are small hair-like organelles found on the surface of most eukaryotic cells. They play essential roles in sensing the environment, signaling, and regulating cellular functions. Cilia are broadly classified into motile and non-motile types. Motile cilia generate movement, such as in the respiratory tract where they clear mucus. Non-motile cilia, also called primary cilia, acts as signaling hubs that regulate key pathways in development and tissue homeostasis. Proper ciliary function is critical for maintaining health, and defects in cilia can lead to a wide range of diseases known as ciliopathies.In the kidney, primary cilia detect fluid flow and contributes to tissue organization. Mutations in ciliary genes can cause polycystic kidney disease. In the brain, cilia are involved in neuronal signaling and brain development. Abnormal ciliary function has been linked to neurological disorders, including hydrocephalus and cognitive impairments. Cilia are also important in the development and function of the heart, lungs, liver, and reproductive organs. Defects can lead to congenital heart defects, chronic respiratory infections, liver fibrosis, and infertility.Recent research has highlighted the role of cilia in cancer. Ciliary signaling pathways influence cell proliferation and differentiation. Loss of cilia or ciliary dysfunction can promote tumor development in certain tissues. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of cilia in health and disease can provide insights into novel therapeutic strategies. Studies using model organisms, including zebrafish and mice, as well as human cell cultures, have been critical in elucidating ciliary biology. Advances in imaging and genome editing tools allow researchers to investigate ciliary structure and function in detail.Overall, cilia are key organelles that connect cellular signaling with physiological outcomes. Their dysfunction can impact multiple organ systems and contribute to complex diseases. Continued research on cilia promises to reveal new mechanisms of disease and potential avenues for treatment.Key research points include but are not limited to:• Role of primary and motile cilia in tissue development and homeostasis• Mechanisms of ciliary signaling in kidney, brain, heart, and lungs• Genetic mutations causing ciliopathies and associated clinical outcomes• Cilia involvement in cancer development and tumor progression• Model organisms for studying ciliary function and disease• Advances in imaging and genome editing to study cilia• Potential therapeutic strategies targeting ciliary pathways Topic editors: Rosa Ventrella, Victoria Rozés-Salvador Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/77680/the-multifaceted-roles-of-cilia-in-physiological-and-pathological-conditions