Current Opinion in Nephrology and Hypertension. 12(5):517-520, SEP 2003

PMID: 12920399

Issn Print: 1062-4821

Publication Date: 2003/09/01


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The renal cell primary cilium functions as a flow sensor

Helle Praetorius;Kenneth Spring;

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Abstract

Purpose of reviewTo discuss recent reports on the function and importance of the renal primary cilium, a widely distributed organelle.Recent findingsMost epithelial cells, including those in the kidney, express a solitary primary cilium. The primary cilium functions as a flow sensor in cultured renal epithelial cells (MDCK and mouse collecting tubule) mediating a large increase in intracellular calcium concentration. Flow sensing is shown to reside in the cilium itself and to involve the proteins polycystin 1 and 2, defects in which are associated with the majority of cases of human polycystic kidney disease. The role of the cilium in flow-dependent potassium secretion by the collecting tubule and in sensing of chemical components of the luminal fluid are also described.SummaryThe primary cilium is mechanically sensitive and serves as a flow sensor in cultured renal epithelia. Bending the cilium by mechanical means or flow causes a large, prolonged transient increase in intracellular calcium. The mechanically sensitive protein in the cilium is a polycystin.

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