The dynamic organelle primary cilia: emerging roles in organ fibrosis

This article aims to provide a critical overview of recent developments and insights in primary cilia biology relevant to fibrosis. Recent findings Several studies have highlighted the association of altered primary cilia with various forms of fibrosis. In a rather complex manner, the presence of primary cilia seems to be required for initiation of myofibroblast transition, whereas its loss promotes myofibroblast transition at a later stage. Recent evidence also suggested that noncanonical functions of ciliary transport proteins may influence, such cellular transitions independently of primary cilia. The possibility of opposing signaling regulations being topologically separated between primary cilia and plasma membrane could also be critical for fibrosis. Summary Recent progress in the field suggests that primary cilia are critical mediators of the pathogenesis of fibrosis. Understanding the potential role of primary cilia in fibrosis and the underlying mechanisms may pave the way for entirely new approaches for fibrosis prevention and treatment of SSc.
Source: Current Opinion in Rheumatology - Category: Rheumatology Tags: RAYNAUD PHENOMENON, SCLERODERMA, OVERLAP SYNDROMES AND OTHER FIBROSING SYNDROMES: Edited by John Varga Source Type: research