Primary cilia are mechanosensory organelles with chemosensory roles

Abstract

In the previous volume, we discussed the roles of primary cilia as mechanosensory organelles. Primary cilia have also been proposed to be chemosensory organelles. As a mechanosensory organelle, primary cilium could initiate the release of various cytokines-like substances, involving nitric oxide and purinergic agonists. As a chemosensory organelle, primary cilium also contains various receptors responding to hedgehog and Wnt signaling systems. In this section, we will describe cilia as newly recognized communication devices in response to agonist to regulate cell cycle and cellular development.