Primary cilium-dependent cAMP/PKA signaling at the centrosome regulates neuronal migration

The primary cilium (PC) is a small centrosome-assembled organelle, protruding from the surface of most eukaryotic cells. It plays a key role in cell migration, but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Here, we show that the PC regulates neuronal migration via cAMP production activating centrosomal Protein Kinase A (PKA). Biosensor live-imaging revealed a periodic cAMP hotspot at the centrosome of embryonic, postnatal and adult migrating neurons. Genetic ablation of the PC, or knock-down of ciliary Adenylate Cyclase 3, caused hotspot disappearance and migratory defects, with defective centrosome/nucleus coupling and altered nucleokinesis. Delocalization of PKA from the centrosome phenocopied the migratory defects. Our results show that the PC and centrosome form a single cAMP-signaling unit dynamically regulating migration, further highlighting the centrosome as a signaling hub.