Visualization of live primary cilia dynamics using fluorescence microscopy.

ABSTRACT: Methods useful for exploring the formation and functions of primary cilia in living cells are described here. First, multiple protocols for visualizing solitary cilia that extend away from the cell body are described. Primary cilia collect, synthesize, and transmit information about the extracellular space into the cell body to promote critical cellular responses. Problems with cilia formation or function can lead to dramatic changes in cell physiology. These methods can be used to assess cilia formation and length, the location of the cilium relative to other cellular structures, and localization of specific proteins to the cilium. The subsequent protocols describe how to quantify movement of fluorescent molecules within the cilium using kymographs, photobleaching, and photoconversion. Th

SUBMITTER: Ott C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3690948 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature