Using C. elegans as a Model to Understand the Relationship Between Primary Cilia Structure and Function

Abstract

Primary cilia are non-motile sensory antennae that protrude from the surface of most human cells. They sense the environment and detect chemicals, light, osmolarity, temperature, and force. Once perceived, cilia then communicate these signals to the cell nucleus to elicit a cellular response. Defects in primary cilia can cause diseases such as polycystic kidney disease and Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS). The purpose of this study was to understand how cilia function, so as to contribute to the understanding of human health.