The nociceptor primary cilium

The primary cilium, a single microtubule-based organelle protruding from the surface of cells, utilizes intraflagellar transport (IFT) to establish and maintain its structure and function. It is well-established to guide development and function of the nervous system through signaling pathways identified by expression of molecular markers such as ADP-ribosylation factor-like protein 13 (ARL13B) and type 3 adenylyl cyclase (AC3). Its dysregulation results in ciliopathies, clinical syndromes affecting a broad range of organ systems. Recently it has been established in several species that nociceptors have a primary cilium, which regulates their excitability, contributing to acute and chronic pain. Since primary cilium-dependent signaling, such as Hedgehog (Hh) and Wingless (Wnt) pathways, have been implicated in nociceptor excitability and pain syndromes, interventions targeting this organelle may provide novel treatments for pain.