Advances in Cilia and Flagella Research

Eukaryotic cilia and flagella are essential organelles that extend from the cell surface, playing crucial roles in sensory perception, motility, and the movement of extracellular fluids. These structures are highly conserved across species, from single-celled protists to humans, and are composed of a core microtubule-based structure known as the axoneme. Cilia and flagella are categorized into motile and immotile types, with the latter, also known as primary cilia, being primarily sensory and vital for embryonic development and adult tissue homeostasis. The significance of these organelles is underscored by their presence in most human cell types and their critical roles in embryonic tissues. Defects in their assembly or function can lead to a wide array of pathologies, collectively termed ciliopathies, which often have complex genetic underpinnings. Despite advances in understanding their biology, there remain significant gaps in knowledge, particularly concerning the molecular mechanisms underlying their diverse functions and the pathogenesis of related diseases. The use of model organisms, cultured cells, and organoids has been instrumental in advancing our understanding, yet further research is needed to fully elucidate the intricate biology of cilia and flagella.

This research topic aims to deepen our understanding of the molecular composition, assembly, and functions of cilia and flagella, as well as their roles in development and normal cell and tissue physiology. By exploring these organelles across a variety of model organisms and culture systems, the research seeks to address key questions about their structure-function relationships and the genetic and molecular bases of ciliopathies. The goal is to uncover new insights that could lead to novel therapeutic strategies for diseases associated with ciliary dysfunction.

To gather further insights into the complex biology of cilia and flagella, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Molecular composition and assembly of cilia and flagella
- Sensory and motile functions of cilia and flagella
- Role of cilia and flagella in embryonic development and tissue homeostasis
- Genetic and molecular bases of ciliopathies
- Use of model organisms and culture systems to study cilia and flagella
- High-resolution microscopy and other advanced techniques in cilia and flagella research
- Therapeutic approaches targeting ciliary dysfunction.

The editors welcome various article types (including Original Research, Brief Research Reports, Methods, Perspectives, Reviews, and Mini-Reviews) that highlight the molecular composition, assembly, sensory, and motile functions of cilia and flagella and the pivotal roles that they play in development and normal cell and tissue physiology using a wide range of model organisms and culture systems.