Multiciliate differentiation and DNA synthesis associated protein (MCIDAS)

Multiciliate differentiation and DNA synthesis associated protein (MCIDAS), also known as Multicilin, is a master regulator of multiciliogenesis, the process by which cells develop numerous motile cilia (UniProt Q96A84). It acts as a transcriptional coactivator, partnering with E2F4 or E2F5 and DP1 to activate a downstream program for centriole amplification and ciliary assembly (Stubbs et al., 2012, Nature). Mutations in the MCIDAS gene are the primary cause of Reduced Generation of Multiple Motile Cilia (RGMC), a ciliopathy characterized by severe respiratory infections and hydrocephalus due to the lack of effective mucociliary clearance (Boon et al., 2014, Nature Genetics). Currently, there are no approved drugs that target MCIDAS, but it is being explored as a candidate for gene therapy to restore ciliary function in the airway (NIH GeneReviews). Therapeutic modulation of MCIDAS is challenging because of its interaction with the E2F family, which plays a central role in cell cycle progression and tumor suppression, raising concerns about potential oncogenicity (PubMed ID: 22722851). As a key node in the development of ciliated epithelia, MCIDAS represents a significant focus for regenerative medicine and the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases.

Other names

MulticilinIDASMCIProtein MCIDAS

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