Methods for visualization of neuronal cilia

Abstract

Neuroscientists have been captivated by cilia ever since these slender, microtubule-based projections on the cell body were found to play critical roles in neuronal specification, maintenance, and function. In mammals, the most common cilia marker, acetylated α-tubulin, is extremely difficult to detect in neuronal cilia. Here, we describe methods to detect neuronal cilia in culture, in fixed sections, and in vivo, taking advantage of transgenic mice carrying fluorescently tagged cilia proteins.