How proteins get into and out of cilia
Regulation of protein transport in cilia
Researchers are working to understand how cells move proteins into and out of cilia, which could help people with cilia-related conditions such as certain forms of blindness or infertility.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Georgia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Athens, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11231273 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This lab will use a single-celled alga (Chlamydomonas) as a model to watch protein movement inside cilia in real time. Scientists will track the intraflagellar transport (IFT) “trains” that carry cargo along ciliary microtubules and measure how cargoes are selected and loaded. The project uses high-resolution in vivo imaging with single-molecule sensitivity to observe these transport events directly. Findings aim to reveal the molecular rules that build and maintain cilia.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This is a lab-based basic science project that does not enroll patients, but people with diagnosed ciliopathies (for example inherited retinal degeneration or primary ciliary dyskinesia) are the population most likely to benefit down the line.
Not a fit: People with conditions unrelated to ciliary function, such as most metabolic or psychiatric disorders, are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could identify molecular targets and mechanisms that lead to new treatments for ciliopathies, including some inherited blindness and fertility problems.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies using Chlamydomonas and IFT imaging have yielded important insights into cilia motility, so the methods are proven but the specific question of cargo selection and load regulation remains novel.
Where this research is happening
Athens, United States
- University of Georgia — Athens, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lechtreck, Karl F. — University of Georgia
- Study coordinator: Lechtreck, Karl F.
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.