The snRNA-processing complex, Integrator, is required for ciliogenesis and dynein recruitment to the nuclear envelope via distinct mechanisms.

We previously reported that the small nuclear RNA processing complex, Integrator, is required for dynein recruitment to the nuclear envelope at mitotic onset in cultured human cells. We now report an additional role for INT in ciliogenesis. Depletion of INT subunits from cultured human cells results in loss of primary cilia. We provide evidence that the requirements for INT in dynein localization and ciliogenesis are uncoupled: proteins essential for ciliogenesis are not essential for dynein recruitment to the nuclear envelope, while depletion of known regulators of perinuclear dynein has minimal effects on ciliogenesis. Taken together, our data support a model in which INT ensures proper processing of distinct pools of transcripts encoding components that independently promote perinuclear dynein enrichment and ciliogenesis.