Advances in Understanding the Genetic Mechanisms of Zebrafish Renal Multiciliated Cell Development

Cilia are microtubule-based organelles that project from the cell surface. In humans and other vertebrates, possession of a single cilium structure enables an assortment of cellular processes ranging from mechanosensation to fluid propulsion and locomotion. Interestingly, cells can possess a single cilium or many more, where so-called multiciliated cells (MCCs) possess apical membrane complexes with several dozen or even hundreds of motile cilia that beat in a coordinated fashion. Development of MCCs is, therefore, integral to control fluid flow and/or cellular movement in various physiological processes. As such, MCC dysfunction is associated with numerous pathological states. Understanding MCC ontogeny can be used to address congenital birth defects as well as acquired disease conditions. Today, researchers used both in vitro and in vivo experimental models to address our knowledge gaps about MCC specification and differentiation. In this review, we summarize recent discoveries from our lab and others that have illuminated new insights regarding the genetic pathways that direct MCC ontogeny in the embryonic kidney using the power of the zebrafish animal model.