Understanding a Cell Motor's Role in Brain Development and Birth Defects
Molecular Mechanism of the Cytoplasmic Dynein-Dynactin Motor Complex
This work explores how a tiny cell motor called dynein functions, aiming to understand its connection to brain birth defects such as lissencephaly.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albert Einstein College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11058524 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project focuses on a crucial cell component called cytoplasmic dynein, which acts like a motor to move things around inside our cells. This motor is vital for early development, particularly for how brain cells grow and move into their correct places. When dynein doesn't work properly, it can lead to serious conditions like lissencephaly, a brain malformation causing severe challenges in infants. Researchers are using advanced techniques, including special microscopes and protein engineering, to see exactly how this motor works and how its malfunction leads to disease. The goal is to uncover the basic problems that cause these conditions, paving the way for future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is relevant to families and children affected by lissencephaly and other dynein-related developmental brain disorders.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to cytoplasmic dynein or similar cellular motor dysfunctions would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide fundamental insights into the causes of severe brain birth defects, potentially leading to new ways to diagnose or treat these conditions in the future.
How similar studies have performed: While the general function of dynein is known, this project uses innovative techniques to gain detailed mechanistic insights into its function and regulation, which are currently limited.
Where this research is happening
Bronx, United States
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine — Bronx, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gennerich, Arne — Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Gennerich, Arne
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.