First published online January 24, 2007
Journal of Cell Science 120, 301e (2007)
© The Company of Biologists Limited
Flagella – finding the missing links
Cilia and flagella are essential for cellular movement and play an important role in normal human physiology and microbial pathogenesis. However, the molecular mechanism and regulation of their motility are not fully understood. Using trypanosomes as a model system, Kent Hill and colleagues (p. 478) provide new insight into eukaryotic flagellar assembly and function. Utilising comparative genomics the authors identify 50 genes, including 30 novel genes, unique to organisms with motile flagella. Interestingly, human orthologs of many of these genes map to loci associated with cilia-based diseases. Further characterisation of these by RNAi demonstrates that most have a functional role in flagellar motility. The authors go on to show that several of the proteins encoded by these genes localise to the flagellum. Furthermore, ultrastructural and motility analysis identified a novel protein family that maintains microtubule connections and are potential components of the long sought `nexin links' essential for support and organisation of microtubules. This study therefore provides unique insight into flagellar motility and identifies several new potential disease genes.
Related articles in JCS:
- Functional genomics in Trypanosoma brucei identifies evolutionarily conserved components of motile flagella
- Desiree M. Baron, Katherine S. Ralston, Zakayi P. Kabututu, and Kent L. Hill
JCS 2007 120: 478-491.
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