How genes control tiny cellular antennae called cilia
Official title: Genetic analysis of signaling pathways in cilia assembly and remodeling
Funded at Worcester Polytechnic Institute · NIH-11321247 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at how genes and signaling pathways shape and reshape tiny cellular antennae called cilia, with relevance for people who have ciliopathy-related conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Worcester Polytechnic Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $378,192 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM155316-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11321247 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with inherited ciliopathies or genetic variants known to affect cilia structure or signaling would be most relevant to this research.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose conditions are unrelated to cilia biology or who need immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to benefit directly from this basic lab-based work.
What this research studies
The team uses tiny roundworms (C. elegans) and complementary mammalian cell models to follow cilia assembly and remodeling at single-cell resolution. They combine molecular genetics, proteomics, and live imaging to identify genes and signaling networks that control cilia shape and function. A major focus is on how heterotrimeric G proteins and GPCR-related mechanisms are trafficked to and act within cilia. The researchers also examine how environmental stress triggers structural changes in cilia and alters signaling output.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal genes and pathways that become targets for future diagnostics or therapies for ciliopathies and related disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Many prior studies in model organisms and cell lines have advanced basic cilia biology, but translating those findings into therapies has been limited and remains an ongoing challenge.
Where this research is happening
-
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nechipurenko, Inna — Worcester Polytechnic Institute
- Study coordinator: Nechipurenko, Inna
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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.