Scientists discover why a protein is crucial to healthy cell growth

Researchers from Penn State University and the University of California have discovered how a protein is crucial for the growth of healthy cells in mammals. This is according to a study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

In previous research, Aimin Liu, associate professor of biology at Penn State University and co-author of the study, and his colleagues discovered that a protein called C2 calcium-dependent domain containing 3 (C2cd3) is needed in order for cilia to grow on the surfaces of cells.

Cilia are hair-like structures that reside on the surface of mammalian cells. They are responsible for transmitting and processing information in the body.

"You could think of cilia as the cells' antennae. Without cilia, the cells can't sense what's going on around them, and they can't communicate," says Liu.

Furthermore, cilia also play an important role in filtering bacteria, preventing it from entering the body's organs.

Lack of cilia may lead to serious health conditions, including polycystic kidney disease, blindness and neurological disorders. Therefore, the researchers say their findings have important implications for human health.

How C2cd3 works

Liu and colleagues first discovered that C2cd3 was important for cilium formation in 1962. They discovered that mice lacking the protein demonstrated serious developmental problems.

However, the researchers did not understand why lack of C2cd3 led to these developmental problems. Now, this new research has answered their question.