Understanding how ependymal cilia control cerebrospinal fluid movement
Official title: Elucidating the mechanisms of ependymal ciliary signaling
Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-11039301 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny hair-like structures in the brain, called ependymal cilia, help move fluid around and how certain signals in the body might change how they work, especially in people with Bardet-Biedl syndrome, to better understand brain fluid flow and its impact on health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 19, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $424,338 |
| NIH project number | 1R21NS140934-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11039301 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with Bardet-Biedl syndrome or other conditions affecting ependymal cell function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without any neurological disorders or those not affected by cerebrospinal fluid flow issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of ependymal cilia, which are tiny hair-like structures in the brain that help move cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) along the walls of the brain's ventricles. The study aims to uncover how specific signaling pathways, particularly those involving G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), influence the movement of these cilia and, consequently, the flow of CSF. By identifying the signaling proteins that interact with ependymal cilia, researchers hope to understand how these mechanisms are altered in conditions like Bardet-Biedl syndrome. This could lead to new insights into how fluid dynamics in the brain affect various neurological functions and disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for disorders related to cerebrospinal fluid flow and ependymal cell function.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific mechanisms being investigated are novel, previous research has shown that understanding GPCR signaling can lead to significant advancements in treating related neurological conditions.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio State University
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mykytyn, Kirk a — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Mykytyn, Kirk a
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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.