Using Zebrafish to Study Multiciliated Cell Development and Disease States
Thanh Khoa Nguyen1, Sophia Baker1, John-Michael Rodriguez1
1Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA.
Abstract:
Multiciliated cells (MCCs) serve many important functions, including fluid propulsion and chemo- and mechanosensing. Diseases ranging from rare conditions to the recent COVID-19 global health pandemic have been linked to MCC defects. In recent years, the zebrafish has emerged as a model to investigate the biology of MCCs. Here, we review the major events in MCC formation including centriole biogenesis and basal body docking. Then, we discuss studies on the role of MCCs in diseases of the brain, respiratory, kidney and reproductive systems, as well as recent findings about the link between MCCs and SARS-CoV-2. Next, we explore why the zebrafish is a useful model to study MCCs and provide a comprehensive overview of previous studies of genetic components essential for MCC development and motility across three major tissues in the zebrafish: the pronephros, brain ependymal cells and nasal placode. Taken together, here we provide a cohesive summary of MCC research using the zebrafish and its future potential for expanding our understanding of MCC-related disease states.
Insights
Multiciliated cells (MCCs) are vital for bodily functions and linked to diseases. Zebrafish models offer insights into MCC biology, development, and disease, aiding research into conditions affecting the brain, respiratory, and other systems.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Multiciliated cells (MCCs) are crucial for functions like fluid propulsion and sensing.
- Defects in MCCs are associated with various diseases, including rare conditions and COVID-19.
- The zebrafish has become a valuable model organism for studying MCC biology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review key events in MCC formation, such as centriole biogenesis and basal body docking.
- To discuss the role of MCCs in diseases affecting the brain, respiratory, kidney, and reproductive systems.
- To highlight the utility of zebrafish in understanding MCCs and their link to SARS-CoV-2.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on MCC formation and function.
- Analysis of studies utilizing zebrafish as a model for MCC research.
- Examination of genetic components essential for MCC development and motility in zebrafish tissues.
Main Results:
- Detailed overview of MCC formation processes.
- Exploration of MCC involvement in various disease states.
- Identification of critical genetic factors for MCC development and function in zebrafish.
Conclusions:
- Zebrafish provide a powerful model for investigating MCC biology and related diseases.
- Understanding MCCs in zebrafish can advance knowledge of human health and disease.
- Future research in zebrafish holds significant potential for MCC-related disease insights.
