Primary cilia - the antenna of cells

The big role of a tiny organelle in shaping human health

Primary cilia are microscopic, hair-like organelles present on nearly all human cells, functioning as sensory and signaling hubs that enable cells to perceive and respond to their environment. Through these functions, they play essential roles in regulating cellular communication, growth, and organization during both embryonic development and adult tissue maintenance. During development, primary cilia guide the correct formation and spatial arrangement of organs such as the heart, brain, and lungs, while in adulthood, they contribute to tissue repair and homeostasis in organs including the kidneys, eyes, and respiratory system. Dysfunction or structural defects in primary cilia can disrupt these critical signaling pathways, leading to a group of severe and sometimes life-threatening disorders known as ciliopathies, which encompass diseases such as polycystic kidney disease, retinal degeneration, and various developmental syndromes. My research aims to elucidate how defects in primary cilia contribute to the onset of ciliopathies and to explore potential strategies to correct these abnormalities, with the ultimate goal of improving human health and preventing these debilitating conditions.