Investigating how genes control the assembly and remodeling of cilia.
Official title: Genetic analysis of signaling pathways in cilia assembly and remodeling
Funded at Worcester Polytechnic Institute · NIH-11124099 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how tiny hair-like structures on cells, called cilia, are formed and change in response to different conditions, using a small worm as a model to help us understand how this might relate to human biology.
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 | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $378,192 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM155316-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11124099 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with genetic disorders linked to cilia dysfunction, such as ciliopathies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to cilia or those who do not have genetic predispositions to ciliopathies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the genetic and molecular mechanisms that regulate the formation and adaptation of cilia, which are tiny hair-like structures on cells that play a crucial role in signaling pathways. Using advanced techniques in molecular genetics and live imaging, the study examines how these mechanisms function during development and in response to environmental stress. The research is conducted primarily in the model organism C. elegans, with additional studies in mammalian cell cultures to draw parallels to human biology.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into ciliopathies, potentially improving diagnosis and treatment options for patients with related genetic disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cilia function and its implications in various diseases, indicating that this approach has potential for significant findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nechipurenko, Inna — Worcester Polytechnic Institute
- Study coordinator: Nechipurenko, Inna
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.