The role of primary cilia in physiological and pathological states of the central nervous system

Primary cilia, microtubule-based organelles widely existing on eukaryotic cells, play a critical, indispensable role in the development and functional maintenance of the central nervous system (CNS). Here, we summarize recent advances on the distribution of primary cilia across different regions of the CNS, providing a detailed map highlighting their presence on both neurons and glial cells. Furthermore, we elaborate on the roles of primary cilia in essential physiological functions, including progenitor cell proliferation, neurogenesis, neuronal migration, and synaptic connections within the CNS. We also discuss the emerging links between ciliary dysfunction and a range of CNS disorders, including cognitive impairment, metabolic disorders and hyperphagia-induced obesity, neurodegenerative diseases, and psychiatric conditions. Integrating existing findings, this review provides a panoramic perspective on ciliary roles in the CNS and lays a critical foundation for subsequent basic research, disease-mechanism studies, and therapeutic-target exploration.