Biology of multiciliated cells

Abstract

Multiciliated cells (MCCs) are specialized in fluid propulsion through directional beating of myriads of superficial motile cilia, which rest on modified centrioles named basal bodies. MCCs are found throughout metazoans, and serve functions as diverse as feeding and locomotion in marine organisms, as well as mucus clearance, cerebrospinal fluid circulation, and egg transportation in mammals. Impaired MCC differentiation or activity causes diseases characterized by severe chronic airway infections and reduced fertility. Through studies in Xenopus and mouse mainly, MCC biology has made significant progress on several fronts in recent years. The gene regulatory network that controls MCC specification and differentiation has been deciphered to a large extent. The enigmatic deuterosomes, which serve as centriole amplification platforms in vertebrate MCCs, have started to be studied at the molecular level. Principles of ciliary beating coordination within and between MCCs have been identified.