Tiny antennae on brain cells that shape how brain circuits work
Primary Cilia: A Novel Signaling Gateway To Neural Circuit Modulation
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL · NIH-11094040
This work looks at tiny antenna-like parts on brain cells to understand how they shape brain circuits involved in autism, mood disorders, epilepsy, and intellectual disability.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11094040 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will study primary cilia — small antenna-like structures on neurons — to learn how their signaling helps build and tune brain circuits. They will use tools such as optogenetics and chemogenetics to turn cilia signaling on and off, map which receptors are located in cilia, and perform live imaging of cilia-driven neuronal activity and gene responses in living animals. The team will also profile ciliary connections within human cerebral cortex tissue to relate findings to conditions like autism and mood disorders. The goal is to see whether cilia signaling can be used as a route to fix or improve malfunctioning neural circuits.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with autism, mood disorders, epilepsy, or related neurodevelopmental conditions — and individuals willing to donate tissue or be contacted for future clinical studies — would be most directly relevant.
Not a fit: People with medical issues unrelated to brain circuit function or those seeking immediate clinical treatments are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic science research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to repair or modulate faulty brain circuits in disorders such as autism, mood disorders, and epilepsy.
How similar studies have performed: Optogenetics and chemogenetics have successfully controlled neuronal activity in animal models, but using them to target primary cilia as a therapeutic approach is largely novel.
Where this research is happening
CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES
- UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL — CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ANTON, EVA S — UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL
- Study coordinator: ANTON, EVA S
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.
Conditions: Affective Disorders, Autistic Disorder