Articles tagged with Cilia
A research team at TUM has reconstructed the protein complex responsible for transport within cilia, crucial for cellular movement and organ development. The study reveals a minimal combination of four proteins that start the engine of intraflagellar transport.
Research reveals epigenetic factors, including EZH2 protein, play a crucial role in melanoma formation. The loss of cilia in pigment cells activates carcinogenic signaling pathways, leading to aggressive melanoma.
A new study finds that e-cigarette flavoring cinnamaldehyde significantly disrupts normal cell physiology, impairing airway cilia motility and mitochondrial function. This could have implications for respiratory diseases such as bronchitis and pneumonia.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine and National Tsing Hua University developed a method to rapidly manipulate cilia's chemical signaling pathways, which can lead to breakthroughs in understanding and treating human diseases. The technique, called STRIP, enables precise control over microtubule modifications in living cells.
Researchers at Tohoku University have found that microorganisms with cilia can escape from dead ends using a swimming motion. This ability enables them to survive in intricate environments where other organisms may not be able to thrive.
Scientists have solved the puzzle of why some people with primary ciliary dyskinesia have non-functional cilia. Researchers found that mutations in non-motor proteins cause cilia to assemble incorrectly, leading to respiratory infections and other symptoms. The study offers new hope for treatment and potential screening for medications.
Researchers found that cilia play an active role in filtering bacteria by creating a vortical flow field, and shorter cilia mix the local flow to enhance chemical screening. Cilia are essential for selective recruitment of symbiotic bacteria, as their dysfunction can lead to pulmonary conditions and infertility.
Researchers discovered that ciliated tissues in mammals selectively recruit beneficial microbes called symbionts and clear out toxic molecules. This mechanism provides insight into the basic function of cilia surfaces and may aid development of ways to foster beneficial bacterial partners.
Researchers at Nagoya University found that Daple protein is essential for the correct arrangement of cilia on brain cells, enabling directional fluid flow. This discovery sheds light on the mechanisms behind hydrocephalus and its related diseases such as asthma and female infertility.
A new study identifies key genes linked to the Galapagos cormorant's loss of flight, which shares similarities with human developmental disorders. The research suggests that shorter wings may have been advantageous during diving, reducing buoyancy and increasing survival.
Dynein motors are actively transported into cilia via the intraflagellar transport system and adaptor protein ODA16. The crystal structure of ODA16 shows how it recognizes dynein motors and binds the IFT complex, enabling their import into cilia.
Tiny starfish larvae create vortices that bring food close enough to grab while simultaneously speeding away from scarcity. This mechanism allows the larvae to make feed-versus-speed tradeoffs, optimizing their energy expenditure.
The study reveals that the loss of cilia on facial cells impairs the function of developmental repressors, leading to increased Hedgehog signaling and facial widening. This discovery provides insights into the mechanisms of midfacial development and sheds light on the underlying causes of ciliopathies.
A research team from Washington University has been awarded a $1.25 million grant to study the movement and mechanics of flagella in a green alga called Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, which is nearly identical to human cilia. The goal is to understand how these tiny organelles propel movements and potentially develop new discoveries in mec...
A new study suggests that a long version of waxy ceramide, often found in skin creams and shampoos, plays a critical role in supporting brain cells called astrocytes. The researchers aim to understand how this lipid regulates cilia on brain cells and prevent neurodegeneration associated with Alzheimer's disease.
Scientists have discovered that tiny cilia on specialized cells create complex networks of dynamic flows that transport molecular 'freight' to specific destinations in the brain. These flows, powered by synchronized beating movements, could play a crucial role in distributing essential messenger substances.
Researchers found that repairing mutated cilia genes restored cerebrospinal fluid flow and prevented spinal curves from developing in zebrafish. If translatable to humans, the study could lead to a non-surgical approach for treating idiopathic scoliosis.
Researchers have identified a group of proteins that form the base for functioning cilia, allowing cell-to-cell communication. Mutations in these genes result in ciliopathies, which affect various birth defects and can be lethal.
Researchers at MUSC report findings on the mechanisms underlying impaired ciliogenesis and abnormal kidney development characteristic of PKD. Depletion of dynamin-binding protein or Tuba disrupts renal ciliogenesis, leading to uncontrolled production of cysts.
A study published in the EMBO Journal has identified a gene candidate, GEMC1, associated with a subtype of ciliopathy. GEMC1 regulates key genes involved in this disease, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target for rare diseases affecting 5 in 10,000 people or fewer.
Researchers discovered that Kurly protein is required for proper cilia movement and orientation, crucial for fluid flow and organ development. The study highlights the importance of Kurly in understanding human diseases such as polycystic kidney disease and left-right patterning disorders.
The study found that regular microtubule arrangement is necessary for node cilia rotation, which determines left-right asymmetry of the body. The researchers also discovered that radial spokes play a crucial role in supporting this structure.
Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery about the role of enzymes in regulating chromatin, which plays a crucial role in planarian stem cell differentiation. The study found that specific enzymes, Set1 and MLL1/2, target genes involved in cilia formation, suggesting that defects in these processes may be linked to various huma...
Researchers found that lipid ceramide enables motile cilia in algae and brains to function properly. In brains, ceramide helps keep cerebrospinal fluid moving by regulating GSK3 enzyme activity.
Researchers found a location-dependent pattern in cilia length that affects sensitivity to odors, with cells in the front of the nose having longer, more sensitive cilia. The discovery may shed light on disorders of the senses and has implications for understanding other sensory systems.
Researchers have identified a key protein in cilia assembly, which is essential for sensing chemicals and mechanical forces in the body. The discovery, published in Current Biology, sheds light on how cilia are assembled and could lead to a better understanding of ciliopathies, a group of disorders affecting millions worldwide.
A new technique has been developed to objectively quantify ciliary movement, allowing for faster and more accurate diagnosis of cilia-related disorders. The method, which uses computational methods, correctly identified over 90% of cases with primary ciliary dyskinesia.
Researchers have identified a group of genes implicated in common inherited diseases, known as ciliopathies, which can be diagnosed more quickly and could lead to new treatments for patients. The study, published in Nature Cell Biology, found that defects in cilia, microscopic 'antennae' on cells, are responsible for the disorders.
Researchers discovered that a protein called Tmem231 plays a crucial role in regulating ciliary membrane composition and function. This study sheds light on the mechanisms underlying Meckel syndrome and other human diseases characterized by defects in cilia.
Defective cilia can lead to diseases such as blindness, infertility, and obesity. UGA researchers have made a breakthrough by imaging and measuring tubulin transport in cilia, revealing the mechanism behind their assembly.
Researchers captured highest-resolution images of human cilia using advanced imaging technique that preserves native structure and detects defects. This innovation provides a new window into the biology of ciliopathies, allowing for more accurate diagnoses and potential treatments.
Cilia play a crucial role in human health, with ciliopathies affecting multiple tissue types. Research using model species like Chlamydomonas and mice may uncover new insights into these complex cell organelles.
Scientists found that cilia play a crucial role in the release and signal transduction of insulin, a hormone that reduces sugar levels. Ciliary dysfunction leads to impaired insulin secretion and increased blood sugar levels, linking it to type 2 diabetes.
A new study published in Nature Communications reveals that cilia on pancreatic beta cells are covered with insulin receptors, and altered ciliary function is associated with type 2 diabetes. The research found that ciliary defects impaired insulin release, leading to elevated blood glucose levels in mice.
Scientists have discovered genes in zebrafish that may be synonymous with human airway genes, which could lead to new treatments for Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD) and other respiratory diseases. The study identified hundreds of novel genes associated with cilia formation, shedding light on the causes of defective motile cilia.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have defined the composition of the human cytoplasmic dynein-2 complex, essential for normal human development. This discovery sheds light on ciliopathies, a range of diseases caused by dysfunctional cilia, and could lead to new treatments.
Scientists at MIT and Weizmann Institute found that corals actively engineer their environment to enhance nutrient exchange through turbulent flows. The cilia on coral surfaces produce strong swirls of water that draw in nutrients while driving away waste products.
A global research team led by Case Western Reserve scientist discovered a genetic dysfunction connected to hydrocephalus, illustrating how one error can contribute to excessive cerebrospinal fluid. The study found that Dvl genes regulate the placement and alignment of cilia in ependymal cells, essential for efficient fluid movement.
A recent NIH study has identified a crucial gene involved in the early development of cilia, which are essential for cell communication and sensory systems. Without this gene, mice failed to grow cilia, leading to embryonic death, highlighting the importance of Cc2d2a in cilia formation.
Researchers identified specialized ribbons of four protofilaments within cilia microtubules, linking proteins to human disease. The discovery sheds light on the microstructure of cilia and their role in human function and disease.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have identified a potential treatment approach for ciliopathies, a group of rare genetic disorders. The study found that bolstering the function of the proteasome system can correct physical damage caused by defective cilia, offering new hope for therapies.
Researchers at Penn State University have identified a critical protein required for the growth of cilia on cell surfaces. This discovery has significant implications for understanding and treating diseases related to cilium development, such as polycystic kidney disease, blindness, and neurological disorders.
Researchers at Brown University discovered that cilia in single-celled organisms like paramecium have distinct motor behaviors for swimming and nutrient uptake. The findings provide insight into the molecular mechanisms behind these diverse functions.
Scientists discovered that Atlantic slipper shell larvae control their swimming speed by subtly shifting the position of their velar lobes, demonstrating complex neuromuscular control. The ability to make small movements with these lobes allows the larvae to swim at varying speeds, determining individual dispersal and survival.
Researchers discovered that marine snail larvae control their swimming speed by shifting the position of their velar lobes, exhibiting complex neuromuscular control. The larvae can vary their speed from one body length per second to four body lengths per second within a single day.
Researchers at Simon Fraser University found that a mutation in the CNK2 gene affects cilia length, leading to misinterpreted signals and fatal diseases. The study provides new insights into the importance of cilia disassembly speed in determining cell function.
Washington University engineers are studying how stiff or soft brain tissue is using a non-invasive technique. They're creating a model of brain tissue inside a bowl of Jello, which helps them understand how direction affects wave speed and stiffness.
Research teams at Baylor College of Medicine used cryo-electron tomography to study the effects of genetic mutations on rod sensory cilium architecture. The findings suggest that aberrant trafficking of proteins is responsible for photoreceptor degeneration, highlighting a new model for understanding ciliopathies.
A new study reveals that cilia play a dynamic role in guiding neuronal migration during brain development. In mice with deleted Arl13b gene, interneurons fail to migrate properly due to abnormal cilia function.
Scientists successfully applied gene therapy to restore a lost sense of smell in mice by repairing defective olfactory cells. The treatment increased appetite and body weight, highlighting the potential for this approach to treat cilia disorders elsewhere in the body.
Researchers restored olfactory function in mice with congenital anosmia by introducing a healthy copy of the IFT88 gene, leading to improved feeding behavior and weight gain. The study suggests a potential therapeutic approach for treating people born with anosmia.
Scientists have restored the sense of smell in mice through gene therapy, providing a hopeful sign for those born without or losing their sense of smell due to disease. The breakthrough may also aid research into other cilia-related diseases, such as polycystic kidney disease and retinitis pigmentosa.
A new study reveals that human airways rely on a 'brush-like' layer to clear mucus, which protects cells from sticky mucus and captures foreign particles. The findings may lead to the development of novel therapies for lung diseases.
Researchers at the Salk Institute discovered a gene called multicilin that tells cells to develop multiple cilia, tiny structures moving fluids through the lungs and brain. This finding may help create new therapies using stem cells to replace damaged lung tissues with healthy ones.
A new study reveals that mutations in BBS genes not only control incoming communication via cilia but also outgoing communication via hormone release, leading to restored normal body size, feeding, and metabolism in a small roundworm. This discovery opens up therapeutic avenues for the genetic disorder.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology discovered that simple nerve cells in Platynereis larvae regulate ciliary beating to control swimming depth. The discovery provides insights into the early evolutionary stage of the nervous system and could be relevant for marine ecology.
A team of Brandeis researchers has created artificial cilia-like structures that spontaneously organize into active bundles and beat in a periodic manner. This breakthrough offers a new approach for studying the beating patterns of real cilia, which could lead to advances in nanotechnology.
Researchers found that genetic mutations cause rare human diseases by disrupting a protein called Tectonic1, which forms a crucial collar around the base of cilia. This discovery provides new targets for diagnostics and treatments.
Researchers at UC Davis discovered the mechanism of cilia assembly, revealing two subunits of tubulin that, when mutated, cause cilia loss. This breakthrough has implications for understanding diseases like polycystic kidney disease and growth disorders.
Researchers at UMass Chan Medical School discovered a new function of the cilia protein IFT88 in mitosis, which could contribute to ciliopathies such as primary ciliary dyskinesia and polycystic kidney disease. IFT88 plays a transport role during mitosis, similar to its function in cilia formation.