How the cilia 'gate' controls kidney proteins
Molecular dissection of the ciliary gate
This project looks at how a tiny gate at the base of cell cilia controls entry of kidney-related proteins and why that matters for people with polycystic kidney disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11247096 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team uses the microscopic worm C. elegans to map the proteins and structures that form a selective 'gate' at the base of cell cilia. They focus on transition fibers and proteins linked to polycystic kidney diseases, such as Polycystin-1/2 and DZIP1L, to see how these proteins get into cilia. Because cilia are essential in mammals and hard to manipulate, the worm model lets researchers observe cilia in living cells and dissect molecular steps. Findings aim to define the gate's structure and function and to connect basic cilia biology to kidney disease mechanisms.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Although it does not enroll participants, the work is most relevant to people with autosomal dominant or autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease and their families.
Not a fit: People whose kidney problems are unrelated to cilia function, or those seeking immediate treatment options, are unlikely to get direct benefit from this basic lab research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new molecular targets to prevent or slow cyst formation in polycystic kidney disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies using C. elegans and other models have successfully revealed cilia components and linked them to human kidney disease, but the detailed molecular rules of the ciliary gate remain relatively untested.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- Mayo Clinic Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hu, Jinghua — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Hu, Jinghua
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.