How brain cells build and remodel tiny antennas called cilia to control signals
Official title: Identifying regulatory networks that govern primary cilia remodeling and neural signaling
Funded at Sanford Research/usd · NIH-11337541 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Scientists are studying how tiny brain cell antennas, called primary cilia, form and remodel to help brain cells communicate and develop properly.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sanford Research/usd NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Sioux Falls, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $415,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM151229-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11337541 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with neurological or developmental conditions linked to ciliary dysfunction or researchers studying neuronal signaling.
✕Less likely to help
People without conditions related to ciliary biology may not directly benefit from the study outcomes.
What this research studies
This project uses mouse models, advanced imaging, and cell biology to uncover how cilia grow, change shape, and influence neural connections. By identifying the signals and regulators that govern cilium remodeling, the work aims to reveal why cilia malfunction leads to developmental and neurological issues. The study combines unbiased screening with modern microscopy to map how neurons regulate their cilia and how this affects brain function. The findings could point to new ways to treat disorders linked to ciliary dysfunction in the nervous system.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could illuminate new targets to treat neurological conditions related to defective cilia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work using similar approaches in ciliary biology has yielded important insights, though the brain-specific regulatory details are still being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
Sanford Research/usd
Sioux Falls, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Loukil, Abdelhalim — Sanford Research/usd
- Study coordinator: Loukil, Abdelhalim
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.