Primary cilia and gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons

Abstract

Non-sensory neurons in the mammalian brain possess a primary cilium. Neuronal cilia act as antenna and receive inputs from the extracellular environment to modulate developmental pathways and neuronal activity. These functions require ciliary enrichment of specific proteins, such as G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Although most neurons possess only one cilium, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons extend multiple primary cilia. GnRH neurons are central effectors of reproductive function and cilia on GnRH neurons are enriched for the kisspeptin receptor, a GPCR required for sexual maturation and reproductive function. Here, we provide a brief background on reproduction and primary cilia, discuss what is known about primary cilia on GnRH neurons, and present approaches for further elucidating the roles of cilia on GnRH neurons.