Understanding how cilia disassembly and cell cycle control affect human disease
Official title: Control of Cilia Disassembly and Cell Cycle
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-11459765 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how problems in cilia disassembly and cell cycle control caused by human genetic variants may contribute to developmental issues and cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2018 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $422,863 |
| NIH project number | 2R01GM127690-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-11459765 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with disorders related to ciliary dysfunction or mutations in CILK1 and related pathways may benefit from advances arising from this research.
✕Less likely to help
This basic science project may not offer direct, immediate treatments for participants.
What this research studies
This project focuses on how changes in a human gene and related kinases disrupt the normal breakdown of the primary cilium, a tiny sensory structure in cells, and how that disruption affects cell division. By examining disease-related mutations and their impact on ciliogenesis, they aim to map how these defects lead to developmental problems or aggressive cell growth. The work builds on previous findings about a key protein domain and its partners, and uses human-relevant models to uncover mechanisms that could point to new therapies. The ultimate goal is to connect genetic variants with cellular behavior to inform potential clinical strategies for affected patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: It could lead to new insights into diseases linked to ciliary dysfunction and misregulated cell division, potentially guiding future therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has identified key relationships between ciliogenesis regulators and disease, suggesting that dissection of these pathways can yield actionable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fu, Zheng — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Fu, Zheng
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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.