Ciliary membrane, localised lipid modification and cilia function

• Published in: Journal of cellular physiology Vol. 237; no. 6; pp. 2613 - 2631
• Main Authors: Dutta, Priya, Ray, Krishanu
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.06.2022
• Subjects: Cilia; Ciliopathy; Composition; Lipid; Lipid composition; Lipid Modification; Lipids; Logistics; Membranes; Receptors; Signaling; Ciliopathy; Signaling; Lipid Modification; Lipid; Cilia
• ISSN: 0021-9541; 1097-4652
• DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30787

Cilium, a tiny microtubule‐based cellular appendage critical for cell signalling and physiology, displays a large variety of receptors. The composition and turnover of ciliary lipids and receptors determine cell behaviour. Due to the exclusion of ribosomal machinery and limited membrane area, a cilium needs adaptive logistics to actively reconstitute the lipid and receptor compositions during development and differentiation. How is this dynamicity generated? Here, we examine whether, along with the Intraflagellar‐Transport, targeted changes in sector‐wise lipid composition could control the receptor localisation and functions in the cilia. We discuss how an interplay between ciliary lipid composition, localised lipid modification, and receptor function could contribute to cilia growth and signalling. We argue that lipid modification at the cell‐cilium interface could generate an added thrust for a selective exchange of membrane lipids and the transmembrane and membrane‐associated proteins. The review discusses how an interplay between ciliary lipid composition, localized lipid modification, and receptor function could contribute to cilia growth and signaling. It extends a hypothesis that lipid modification at the cell‐cilium interface could generate an added thrust for a selective exchange of membrane lipids, receptors, and associated proteins.