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Axonemal Dynein Visualized in Primary Cilia via Expansion Microscopy
Xinhang Dong1,2, Jeong Hun Jo2, Jing Hughes2
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, McKelvey School of Engineering, Washington University, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA.
Cytoskeleton (Hoboken, N.J.)
|June 24, 2025
Summary
Ultrastructure expansion microscopy (U-ExM) reveals detailed protein mapping in pancreatic islet primary cilia. This advanced imaging shows all four axonemal dynein subtypes, suggesting cilia may have motor functions.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Microscopy Techniques
- Organelle Biology
Background:
- Primary cilia are crucial sensory organelles with complex structures.
- High-resolution imaging of cilia has been challenging due to their small size.
- Ultrastructure expansion microscopy (U-ExM) allows physical specimen enlargement for nanoscale analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To apply U-ExM to pancreatic islet primary cilia.
- To investigate the protein composition and potential motor capabilities of these cilia.
Main Methods:
- Application of Ultrastructure Expansion Microscopy (U-ExM) on pancreatic islet cilia.
- Nanoscale protein mapping within the ciliary structure.
- Immunofluorescence and high-resolution imaging.
Main Results:
- U-ExM successfully enabled detailed imaging of pancreatic islet primary cilia.
- All four axonemal dynein subtypes were identified in these cilia.
- The intermediate chain DNAI1 showed prominent localization in both primary cilia and centrioles.
Conclusions:
- U-ExM is a powerful and robust tool for studying ciliary ultrastructure.
- Primary cilia may possess intrinsic motor capabilities, potentially influencing their sensory functions.
- These findings could lead to a revised understanding of primary cilia roles in cellular processes.
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