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Identification of Cilia in Different Mouse Tissues
Xinhua Li1,2,3, Shuting Yang1, Vishwa Deepak1
1Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
Cells
|July 2, 2021
Summary
This study maps the in vivo distribution of cilia and centrioles across various mouse organs. Researchers identified cilia in chondrocytes and bone cells, and revealed distinct patterns in hepatocytes, epithelia, and the cerebral cortex.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Organelle Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Cilia are vital microtubule-based organelles on cell surfaces.
- Their distribution and function in postnatal organs in vivo are largely uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To map the in vivo distribution and arrangement of cilia across diverse postnatal organs and tissues.
- To measure ciliary lengths and the percentage of ciliated cells.
- To investigate the presence of centrioles in relation to cilia.
Main Methods:
- Utilized cilium dual reporter-expressing transgenic mice.
- Cilia were identified using ARL13B (mCherry+).
- Basal bodies were identified using Centrin2 (GFP+).
Main Results:
- Confirmed cilia in chondrocytes and bone cells.
- Revealed primary cilia in hepatocytes.
- Observed centrioles but no cilia in gallbladder, intestine, and thyroid epithelia.
- Noted oriented cilia in the cerebral cortex and ARL13B+ inclusions in thyroid and islets.
- Detected irregular ciliary movement in nucleus pulposus.
Conclusions:
- Provides comprehensive in vivo data on cilia and centriole distribution in various organs.
- Highlights tissue-specific differences in ciliation.
- Offers foundational insights for studying ciliary functions in different tissues.
