Loss-of-Function Mutations Cause Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia and Disrupt the Nexin-Dynein Regulatory Complex

Multiciliated epithelial cells protect the upper and lower airways from chronic bacterial infections by moving mucus and debris outward. Congenital disorders of ciliary beating, referred to as primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), are characterized by deficient mucociliary clearance and severe, recurrent respiratory infections. Numerous genetic defects, most of which can be detected by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), are so far known to cause different abnormalities of the ciliary axoneme. However, some defects are not regularly discernable by TEM because the ciliary architecture of the axoneme remains preserved.

Source: The American Journal of Human Genetics - September 17, 2015 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Authors: Heike Olbrich, Carolin Cremers, Niki T. Loges, Claudius Werner, Kim G. Nielsen, June K. Marthin, Maria Philipsen, Julia Wallmeier, Petra Pennekamp, Tabea Menchen, Christine Edelbusch, Gerard W. Dougherty, Oliver Schwartz, Holger Thiele, Janine Altmül Tags: Article Source Type: research