Repression of GW/P body components and the RNAi microprocessor impacts primary ciliogenesis in human astrocytes
2011

Impact of GW/P Body Components on Primary Ciliogenesis in Human Astrocytes

Sample size: 100 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Joanna J. Moser, Marvin J. Fritzler, Jerome B. Rattner

Primary Institution: University of Calgary

Hypothesis

Does the inhibition of the miRNA pathway impair primary cilium formation in human astrocytes?

Conclusion

The study demonstrates that repression of key proteins in the miRNA pathway impairs the formation of primary cilia in human astrocytes.

Supporting Evidence

  • GW/P bodies localize to the centrosome in human astrocytes.
  • Knockdown of GW182 and hAgo2 resulted in the absence of primary cilia.
  • Ultrastructural analysis confirmed that early stages of ciliogenesis were not affected by the knockdown.

Takeaway

This study found that certain proteins help cells grow tiny hair-like structures called cilia, and when these proteins are blocked, the cilia can't form properly.

Methodology

Human astrocytes were transfected with siRNA targeting GW182 and hAgo2, and primary cilia were examined using indirect immunofluorescence.

Limitations

Current techniques do not allow for specific targeting of the two GW/P bodies at the centrosome.

Participant Demographics

Primary human astrocytes and synoviocytes were used in the study.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2121-12-37

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