Functions of Cilia
A special issue of Cells (ISSN 2073-4409).
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 December 2025 | Viewed by 53
Special Issue Editor
Interests: cilia; cilia-derived vesicles; ciliopathies; neuronal cilia; motile cilia; primary cilia; ciliary secretion; peptidergic signaling; ectosomes
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Cilia are membrane-bound microtubule-based cellular organelles that play a crucial role in various biological processes and human diseases. Beyond their well-established functions in cell motility and fluid movement, cilia serve as sensory and secretory organelles. Studies across diverse organisms have demonstrated that cilia secrete extracellular vesicles via the budding of the ciliary membrane into the extracellular environment. These cilia-derived vesicles contain bioactive products that facilitate intercellular communication, including peptidergic signaling. Emerging as a key signaling hub, cilia can receive a diverse array of input signals and transmit them to regulate a wide range of cellular responses.
Dysfunction in ciliary components and signaling has been implicated in various human diseases, affecting processes from embryonic development to neurological disorders. Recent research also suggests that cilia may have evolutionary roles in coordinating cellular responses across tissues.
For this Special Issue, we invite research articles and reviews that explore the diverse functions of cilia, spanning motility, sensory perception, and secretion, across a broad range of model organisms, from unicellular eukaryotes to vertebrates. Additionally, this Special Issue will feature recent studies highlighting the role of cilia or cilia-derived vesicles in human diseases and various physiological processes.
Dr. Raj Luxmi
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- cilia
- cilia-derived vesicles
- ciliopathies
- neuronal cilia
- motile cilia
- primary cilia
- ciliary secretion
- peptidergic signaling
- ectosomes
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