Research Cilia on the Line: Why Cells Need Just the Right Amount of Wnt
A new study demonstrates how Wnt signaling shapes primary cilia formation, revealing a critical interplay with the mTOR pathway
Primary cilia are tiny, antenna-like structures present on most vertebrate cells that act as hubs for sensing signals and coordinating key pathways involved in development, tissue homeostasis and disease. While much is known about how cilia influence signaling, less is understood about how signaling in turn affects cilia formation. In human retinal pigment epithelial cells, the team led by Prof. Dr. Gislene Pereira showed that boosting Wnt/LRP6 activity before ciliogenesis directly interfered with the early stages of cilia formation. This effect was linked to reduced autophagy, increased mTOR activity, and the accumulation of cilia-inhibitory proteins. Remarkably, blocking mTOR either genetically or pharmacologically restored cilia biogenesis, highlighting the delicate interplay between Wnt and mTOR pathways and its implications to cilia-related diseases and developmental disorders.
