The Structure and Function of Primary Cilia and Their Research Progress in Musculoskeletal System Diseases
LI Xinhua*
Cilia are microtubules based hair-like organelles projecting from the surface of almost cells. Cilia can be divided into primary cilia and motile cilia (muti cilia) depending on whether the cilia can move or not. Motile cilia are often distributed in the epithelium of brain ventricles, the epithelium of the airway and the fallopian tube tissue of the reproductive system. Primary cilia are distributed in most of the remaining tissues and organs, such as renal tubular epithelial cells, various bone or cartilage cells, and intervertebral disc cells. Primary cilia are considered to play important roles in mechano/mechanical-sensation, and many signaling transduction. The musculoskeletal system consists of bones, cartilage, intervertebral disc, tendons, and ligaments, providing support, stability, and movement to the body. Musculoskeletal systems are exposed to various mechanical loads and function as a major system for the mechanical transduction in our body. Therefore, it believed that cilia have a critical role in function mantainence in musculoskeletal. Genes mutations that build up cilia can lead to loss of cilia, and cilia defects can cause numerous human diseases named ciliopathy, especially affected in musculoskeletal system. In addition, primary cilia defects are found in many diseases such as osteoarthritis, intervertebral disc degeneration, scoliosis and so on. Therefore, study the role of primary cilia in the tissues and organs physiological function maintenance in the musculoskeletal system and identify the role of primary cilia in musculoskeletal disorder is helpful for the treatment of musculoskeletal system diseases. It was believed that primary cilia could be a potential target for the treatment of musculoskeletal system diseases. In this manuscript, the research progress of primary cilia in musculoskeletal system diseases were reviewed, and the latest progress, key points and difficulties on cilia and musculoskeletal system diseases were highlighted. This review will provide theoretical reference for investigating the pathogenesis of musculoskeletal disorder.
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