The Biology of Ciliary Dynamics in Development and Disease

Ching-Hwa Sung, Ph.D.

The Betty Neuwirth Lee and Chilly Professor in Stem Cell Research

Professor of Cell and Developmental Biology in Ophthalmology

Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York

Abstract:

The cilium is an evolutionally conserved apical membrane protrusion that senses and transduces diverse signals to regulate a wide range of cellular activities. The cilium varies in length, structure, and protein composition. Dysregulation of ciliary dynamics has been linked with ciliopathies and other human diseases. In the resting cell, the cilium remains sensitive to environmental cues for remodeling during tissue homeostasis and repair. The photoreceptor outer segment is a notable dynamic cilium. I will discuss recent discovered protein transport mechanism in photoreceptors maintains light-regulated homeostasis of ciliary length. In dividing cells, the cilium undergoes cell cycle-dependent assembly and disassembly, with ciliary resorption linked with G1-S transition and cell fate choice. Compared to the ciliary assembly, the cellular machinery that governs ciliary resorption is less well understood. I will discuss the upstream signaling and its downstream regulators that mediated a non-dynein function of Tctex-1 in orchestrating the initial phase of ciliary resorption.

Time: Mar. 28th, 2017, 16:30-17:30 pm

Venue: New Biology Building, Room 143

Host: Prof. Junmin Pan