Primary cilia safeguard cortical neurons in neonatal mouse forebrain from environmental stress-induced dendritic degeneration

Significance External agents, such as alcohol and ketamine, are known to affect perinatal brain development and eventually cause a variety of severe psychopathological consequences. However, the mechanisms of possible neuronal defense against these agents are not well understood. We sought to elucidate the molecular details of the role of primary cilia in this complex process. Our results show that primary cilia protect dendrites of immature cortical neurons via insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor and downstream Akt signaling. These results provide insight into the pathogenesis of consequences that follow exposure to toxic substances.