We show that target knockdown (KD) of known BBS (BBS1, BB5 or BBS6) loci leads to developmental defects commonly associated with ciliopathies, as previously described.
Surprisingly, the effects of a hypomorphic disease-causing Cep290 allele were rescued by loss of MKKS function, suggesting that it might be possible to treat some ciliopathies by fine-tuning interactions within the expanding ciliary network.
In addition, we show that RPGRIP1L colocalizes at the basal body and centrosomes with the protein products of both NPHP6 and NPHP4, known genes associated with MKS, CORS and nephronophthisis (a related renal disorder and ciliopathy).