Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 24, 2026

Determining Ciliary Function and Membrane Impermeability of the Pseudostratified Lung Airway Epithelium
Published on: February 21, 2025
Membrane retrieval, recycling and release pathways that organise and sculpt the ciliary membrane
Stephen P Carter1, Oliver E Blacque1
1School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
Abstract:
The microtubule-based cilium that extends from the surface of most eukaryotic cell types serves motility, sensory reception and cell-cell signaling functions, and is disrupted in wide-ranging ciliopathy disorders. The cilium is heavily reliant on dynamic and tuneable intracellular trafficking systems such as intraflagellar transport and Golgi-derived secretory pathways, which control the organelle's structure, function and molecular composition. More recently, endosomal retrieval and recycling, as well as extracellular vesicle (EV) release, pathways have been associated with ciliary membrane control. Here, we discuss the emerging role of these pathways in the control of ciliary membrane homeostasis. The new findings provide a deeper and more integrated understanding of how the ciliary membrane is organised.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
ER Retrieval Pathway
The ER uses many checkpoints to prevent the entry of incorrectly folded or a resident protein as cargo onto a transport vesicle. These mechanisms...
The Resting Membrane Potential
Introduction to Membrane Proteins
What are Membranes?
What are Membranes?
Membrane Fluidity
Mosaic nature of the membrane
The mosaic characteristic of the membrane helps the plasma membrane remain fluid. The integral proteins and lipids exist as separate but loosely-attached molecules in the membrane. The membrane is...

