Formation and function of multiciliated cells

Abstract

In vertebrates, multiciliated cells (MCCs) are terminally differentiated cells that line the airway tracts, brain ventricles, and reproductive ducts. Each MCC contains dozens to hundreds of motile cilia that beat in a synchronized manner to drive fluid flow across epithelia, the dysfunction of which is associated with a group of human diseases referred to as motile ciliopathies, such as primary cilia dyskinesia. Given the dynamic and complex process of multiciliogenesis, the biological events essential for forming multiple motile cilia are comparatively unelucidated. Thanks to advancements in genetic tools, omics technologies, and structural biology, significant progress has been achieved in the past decade in understanding the molecular mechanism underlying the regulation of multiple motile cilia formation. In this review, we discuss recent studies with ex vivo culture MCC and animal models, summarize current knowledge of multiciliogenesis, and particularly highlight recent advances and their implications.

Cyclin O controls entry into the cell-cycle variant required for multiciliated cell differentiation

“…We further analysed the temporality of Cena expression compared to core regulators of (i) MCC fate determination, (ii) MCC cell cycle variant and (iii) centriole biogenesis. First, the temporality of expression of MCC fate determinants is consistent with functional studies (Lewis and Stracker, 2020; Lyu et al, 2024) where the lineage determinant Gmne is expressed first, specifically in the progenitor and early deuterosomal clusters, followed by Myb , involved in multilineage airway epithelial cell differentiation (Pan et al, 2014) expressed from late progenitor to mid-deuterosomal clusters. Fax}1 is also upregulated in the progenitor clusters but remains expressed during the whole differentiation process, consistent with its role in late events during MCC differentiation.…”

The Odad3 Gene Is Necessary for Spermatozoa Development and Male Fertility in Mice

“…Motile cilia are present on terminally differentiated Multiciliated Cells (MCCs) in epithelial tissues of the brain ependyma, airway, and reproductive ducts. Additionally, motile cilia also exist as a solitary structure, such as embryonic node cilia and sperm flagella [ 1 ]. The directional beating of cilia in various organs and physiological systems creates gradients of biologically active molecules, moves cells and cellular debris along the epithelial surfaces, and expels mucus by moving extracellular fluids.…”