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Updated: Jan 13, 2026

Simple Detection of Primary Cilia by Immunofluorescence
Published on: May 15, 2020
The nociceptor primary cilium
Geoffrey K Ganter1,2, Hope C Reveche2,3, Lindsey A Fitzsimons2,3
1School of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of New England, Biddeford, ME 04005, USA.
None:
The primary cilium, a single microtubule-based organelle protruding from the surface of cells, uses intraflagellar transport to establish and maintain its structure and function. It is well-established to guide development and function of the nervous system through signalling pathways identified by expression of molecular markers such as ADP-ribosylation factor-like protein 13 (ARL13B) and type 3 adenylyl cyclase (AC3). Its dysregulation results in ciliopathies, clinical syndromes affecting a broad range of organ systems. Recently, it has been established in several species that nociceptors have a primary cilium, which regulates their excitability, contributing to acute and chronic pain. Since primary cilium-dependent signalling, such as Hedgehog (Hh) and Wingless (Wnt) pathways, have been implicated in nociceptor excitability and pain syndromes, interventions targeting this organelle may provide novel treatments for pain.
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