ciliopathy

thumb|420x420px|Eukaryotic cilium Ciliopathies are a group of genetically diverse disorders caused by defects in the structure or function of the primary cilium, a highly specialized and evolutionarily conserved organelle found in nearly all eukaryotic cells. The primary cilium plays a central role in regulating signal transduction and making it essential for numerous developmental and physiological processes.

Because of the widespread presence of primary cilia in different tissues, dysfunction can lead to a broad spectrum of clinical features. Syndromic ciliopathies, such as Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS), typically involve multiple organ systems, including the retina, kidneys, central nervous system, and skeletal system These manifestations highlight the importance of cilia in embryonic development, sensory perception, and tissue homeostasis.