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The Multifaceted Roles of Primary Cilia in the Regulation of Stem Cell Properties and Functions
Author(s) -
Lyu Rui,
Zhou Jun
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
journal of cellular physiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.529
H-Index - 174
eISSN - 1097-4652
pISSN - 0021-9541
DOI - 10.1002/jcp.25683
Subject(s) - cilium , stem cell , biology , embryonic stem cell , microbiology and biotechnology , primary (astronomy) , cellular differentiation , cell , neuroscience , genetics , gene , physics , astronomy
Stem cells are a unique class of cells that are capable of self‐renewal and differentiation into multiple lineages. An increasing number of studies have suggested that both embryonic and adult stem cells possess primary cilia, antenna‐like structures protruding from cell surfaces that are critical for sensing and transducing environmental cues. The primary cilium appears to regulate stem cells in multiple aspects, such as lineage specification and stemness maintenance. Understanding the role of primary cilia in the control of stem cell behavior could lead to the identification of new targets for regenerative therapies. Here, we discuss recent studies investigating the diverse roles of primary cilia in the regulation of stem cell properties and functions. We also propose potential new avenues for exploration in this promising field. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 935–938, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.