Structure and function of mammalian cilia

Histochem Cell Biol. 2008 Jun;129(6):687-93. doi: 10.1007/s00418-008-0416-9. Epub 2008 Mar 26.

Abstract

In the past half century, beginning with electron microscopic studies of 9 + 2 motile and 9 + 0 primary cilia, novel insights have been obtained regarding the structure and function of mammalian cilia. All cilia can now be viewed as sensory cellular antennae that coordinate a large number of cellular signaling pathways, sometimes coupling the signaling to ciliary motility or alternatively to cell division and differentiation. This view has had unanticipated consequences for our understanding of developmental processes and human disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Movement / physiology*
  • Cilia / physiology*
  • Cilia / ultrastructure
  • Ciliary Motility Disorders / physiopathology
  • Humans