摘要：Introduction Primary cilium is a non-motile microstructure,protruding from cell surface of most mammalian cells.It was previously thought to be vestigial.However,recent studies indicate that it may serve as one of the most vital mechanosensors for many types of cells such as epithelial and endothelial cells and osteocytes.Protruding from the apical membrane,the primary cilium can directly sense subtle variation of mechanical forces exerted on the cell and then transduce the mechanical cues into biochemical signals into the cell,although the mechanism remain elusive.Vascular endothelial cells(ECs)lining the inner wall of our blood vessels are continuously exposed to the blood flow.In order to maintain proper functions for the cardiovascular system,ECs should have a variety of mechano-sensors and transducers to sense the blood flow change and adjust the vessel size and transport across the vessel wall accordingly.Among more than a dozen recognized EC mechano-sensors,the primary cilium has drawn more and more attention recently.Primary cilium on endothelial cells is essential for the homeostasis of vessels.It is reported to be prevalent in areas of disturbed flow where atherosclerosis and intracranial aneurysm usually occur.Deficiencies of primary cilia may promote atherosclerosis,endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition(EndoMT)and loss of direction orientation,to name a few.Therefore understanding why the primary cilia are necessary to maintain the homeostasis of blood vessels and how will help us develop better treatment strategies for the common cardiovascular diseases.Dimension and structure of primary cilium Primary cilium is reported to be shorter than 8 in length and about 0.2 in diameter.The length of primary cilium varies in different cell types and under different conditions.The major structural components of the primary cilium include basal body,ciliary axoneme(consisting of nine doublet microtubules),ciliary membrane,transition zone,basal feet,and striated rootlets.Each part of the primary cilium is essenti

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