Discovery of new ciliary proteins suggests link between cell antennae and chronic diseases

Cell biology researchers at the Department of Biology at the University of Copenhagen have discovered two new ciliary proteins that have previously been linked to diabetes, obesity and kidney disease in humans and mice.  

Many of the body's cells are equipped with cilia, a kind of antenna that helps the cell receive and send signals via so-called extracellular vesicles to other cells. This communication process is essential for a healthy and well-functioning body.  

Conversely, if the cilia are defective, the cell sends out incorrect signals and communication is disrupted. Defective cilia can lead to many different diseases because they affect signalling in almost all tissues and organs.  

"Our study has shown that the two proteins are located in the cilia and help regulate the formation and function of the cilia, and that the cell releases these and several other ciliary proteins in the form of extracellular vesicles. This is new knowledge that not only improves our understanding of how cells in the body control their mutual communication but is also relevant from a disease perspective. The more we know about why diseases occur, the closer we can get to developing the right treatment," explains Professor Lotte Bang Pedersen.

As a cell biologist, Lotte Bang Pedersen is interested in uncovering the molecular mechanisms that control the role of cilia in cellular communication and how errors in these processes can lead to disease. 

“When investigating the causes of disease, it is not an easy task to identify which specific gene is affected in a given disease, or why defects in specific genes give rise to certain diseases. Knowing that the disease may be associated with defective cilia or extracellular vesicles makes it easier to find the answer,” says Lotte Bang Pedersen.  

Read more in the scientific article, which has just been published in Current Biology.