PUBLICATION

Bardet-Biedl syndrome: an emerging pathomechanism of intracellular transport

Authors
Blacque, O.E., and Leroux, M.R.
ID
ZDB-PUB-060816-33
Date
2006
Source
Cellular and molecular life sciences : CMLS   63(18): 2145-2161 (Journal)
Registered Authors
Keywords
Bardet-Biedl syndrome, cilia, centrosomes, intracellular trafficking, intraflagellar transport
MeSH Terms
  • Animals
  • Bardet-Biedl Syndrome/genetics
  • Bardet-Biedl Syndrome/metabolism*
  • Biological Transport
  • Humans
  • Protein Transport
PubMed
16909204 Full text @ Cell. Mol. Life Sci.
Abstract
From a handful of uncloned genetic loci 6 years ago, great strides have been made in understanding the genetic and molecular aetiology of Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS), a rare pleiotropic disorder characterised by a multitude of symptoms, including obesity, retinal degeneration and cystic kidneys. Presently, 11 BBS genes have been cloned, with the likelihood that yet more BBS genes remain undiscovered. In 2003, a major breakthrough was made when it was shown that BBS is likely caused by defects in basal bodies and/or primary cilia. Since then, studies in numerous animal models of BBS have corroborated the initial findings and, in addition, have further refined the specific functions of BBS proteins. These include roles in establishing planar cell polarity (noncanonical Wnt signaling) in mice and zebrafish, modulating intraflagellar transport and lipid homeostasis in worms, and regulating intracellular trafficking and centrosomal functions in zebrafish and human tissue culture cells. From these discoveries, a common theme has emerged, namely that the primary function of BBS proteins may be to mediate and regulate microtubule-based intracellular transport processes.
Genes / Markers
Figures
Expression
Phenotype
Mutations / Transgenics
Human Disease / Model
Sequence Targeting Reagents
Fish
Antibodies
Orthology
Engineered Foreign Genes
Mapping