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Updated: Aug 5, 2026
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Volumetric Imaging and Analysis of Primary Cilia in Musculoskeletal Tissue using the ARL13B-CENTRIN-2 Mouse Model
Published on: March 28, 2025
Ciliary ARL13B Is Essential for Body Weight Regulation in Mice
Tiffany T Terry1, Eduardo D Gigante1,2, Coralie M Alexandre3
1Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA.
Diabetes
|July 29, 2026
Summary
The ciliary GTPase ARL13B is crucial for regulating energy balance. Its absence from primary cilia leads to overeating and obesity, highlighting its role in controlling body weight.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Metabolism
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Primary cilia's role in energy homeostasis is not fully understood.
- The ciliary GTPase ARL13B's function in metabolic regulation requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if ARL13B regulates energy homeostasis.
- To assess if ciliary localization of ARL13B is essential for controlling body weight and feeding behavior.
Main Methods:
- Utilized genetic tools for cilia-specific functional isolation.
- Investigated the effects of ARL13B exclusion from cilia on mouse physiology.
Main Results:
- Systemic removal of ARL13B from cilia induced hyperphagia and obesity in mice.
- Ciliary ARL13B is necessary within the nervous system for effective weight management.
Conclusions:
- Ciliary ARL13B acts as a significant regulator of energy homeostasis.
- Primary cilia function as critical metabolic signaling hubs through proteins like ARL13B.
