How cells copy tiny internal parts called centrioles
Template-based replication of the centriole organelle
This work looks at whether cells use an existing centriole structure as a physical template to make exact new centrioles, which may be important for people with Alström or Bardet–Biedl syndromes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11243473 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If I have Alström or a related condition, this research examines how tiny cell parts called centrioles are reproduced inside my cells. The team studies a structure called the cartwheel that can be split from an old centriole and used as a guide to build a new one. They found that losing this guidance produces abnormal centrioles, a change linked to Alström syndrome, and are mapping the molecular steps involved. Understanding these steps could explain how the disease starts at the cellular level and point toward future tests or treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Alström syndrome or Bardet–Biedl syndrome, or patients willing to donate cells or tissue samples for laboratory study, would be the most relevant participants or sample sources.
Not a fit: Patients without centriole- or cilia-related disorders or those seeking immediate medical therapy are unlikely to gain direct clinical benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal new biomarkers or molecular targets that lead to diagnostics or treatments for Alström and related centriole-related disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Previous cell biology work has described cartwheel structures and centriole defects in related disorders, but the specific idea of template-based centriole replication is a newer concept with limited direct prior testing.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tsou, Meng-Fu Bryan — Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
- Study coordinator: Tsou, Meng-Fu Bryan
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 below.