Cell Biology DB 1 replies
Hi Aqsa Malhi?
I concur with you that Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD) is a rare genetic condition that can result in the impaired mobility of cilia and flagella, leading to recurrent infections of the chest, infertility, and ear/nose/throat symptoms (Shapiroet al. 117). Symptoms have been known to occur shortly after birth or in early childhood (Bush et al. 1137). It has also been known to be the cause of certain respiratory tract infections such as situs inversus, chronic sinusitis and bronchiectasis. In infants, the cilia that are found in the inner linings of the respiratory tract facilitates the movement of mucus, eliminating bacteria, particles, and fatal fluids from the throat. In adults, it has caused life-threatening breathing-related problems such as chronic cough and nasal congestion (Bushet al. 1137). The cilia also cause improper shifts in body organs within the chest or abdomen. I enjoyed learning that there have also been causes of ear infection as a result of abnormal cilia within the ear and that it could cause loss of hearing if not treated. In women, improper placement within the fallopian tube could cause infertility, and in men, it could cause impaired movement within the flagella that is used to propel sperm cells.
Cilia have been observed to structurally resemble hair and move in a whip-like motion through fluid or among tissue cells while flagella move in undulating motion through fluids found in sperms. They are both structured from microtubules and their associated proteins known as axoneme(s). Each singular flagella and cilia are arranged in nine microtubules wrapped around in ring-like structure to a single microtubule extending 10-200 µm. Both of their mobility is through molecules of axonemal dynein. It is true that mutations of the DHA5 further repress the paralyzed cilia cells, thus affecting fluid flow.
Hi Megan Miner?
I agree that the cells are the smallest and most functional unit of life. Cell structures are made up of organelles, cytoplasm, and cytoskeleton, which help in forming the shape. The cytoskeleton has filaments that provide anchor points that help in the stability of the cells. Chromosomes found in the nuclear, which are tasked with storing genetic information(Mackenzie). It is also true that intermediate filaments, despite having other functions compound the stability of the plasma membrane. This makes them a very important part of the cell cytoskeleton, meaning that in the event of disorders such as in the neurofilament, cell stability is affected.
Neurofilament helps in the growth of axons and the stability of the neurons. Changes in neurofilament concentration can lead to behavioral abnormalities. I agree when you say that these conditions may not cause diseases but are contributing factors towards the progression of the disease. One such condition is the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which is brought about as a result of the destruction of neurons. The behavior abnormalities such as uncontrollable fasciculations, muscle atrophy, and, ultimately, cessation of voluntary muscle control. It is also true that if the condition continues, it may lead to changes between microglial cells (M1 and M2), which affect Treg cell numbers. The disease could be fatal, as it currently has no cure. But there is some better news as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved drugs that could slow down the disease. It is still unclear what causes ALS, but there have been theories such as disorganized immune response, degeneration of neurons. I would also like to add that chemical imbalance such as high levels of glutamate, which has been observed to be in high numbers in ALS patients. These could damage nerve cells, thus causing the disease. We hope that future research will bear positive results and possibly find a cure.
Works Cited
Bush, Andrew, et al. “Primary ciliary dyskinesia: current state of the art.” Archives of disease in childhood 92.12 (2007): 1136-1140.
Mackenzie, Ruari. “DNA Vs. RNA – 5 Key Differences And Comparison”. Genomics Research From Technology Networks, 2018, https://www.technologynetworks.com/genomics/lists/what-are-the-key-differences-between-dna-and-rna-296719. Accessed 15 Feb 2020.
Shapiro, Adam J., et al. “Diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of primary ciliary dyskinesia: PCD foundation consensus recommendations based on state of the art review.” Pediatric pulmonology 51.2 (2016): 115-132.