Ciliary dynein dysfunction caused by chronic alcohol exposure

While many genetic defects have been determined to compromise ciliary function, the detrimental effects of alcohol and other environmental factors can also cause ciliary dysfunction-a condition we call an ". acquired ciliopathy." In this chapter, we focus on the impact of alcohol exposure on ciliary function. Alcohol-induced ciliary dysfunction (AICD) occurs with prolonged alcohol consumption and results in compromised lung function, in part, due to loss of airway cilia responsiveness resulting in impaired mucociliary clearance. In particular, we detail the impact of alcohol (ethanol) on the mammalian lung and airway cilia, discussing the effects of both brief and prolonged alcohol exposure. We summarize recent work demonstrating AICD in the model protist, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, and the discovery of specific ciliary targets of alcohol. This chapter concludes with a section discussing new questions, future directions, and potential treatments for AICD.