Understanding how new proteins in cilia affect cell signaling in development and disease
Official title: Regulation of the Hedgehog Pathway by new cilium proteins in Development and Disease
Funded at University of California, Merced · NIH-11074022 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how new proteins in tiny cell structures called cilia help control important signals that affect development and can be linked to birth defects and cancers, aiming to better understand how these proteins work and what it means for health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, Merced NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Merced, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2022 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $323,545 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM143276-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11074022 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with congenital abnormalities or cancers linked to Hedgehog signaling disruptions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to Hedgehog signaling or those who do not have congenital abnormalities or cancers may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of new proteins located in cilia, which are tiny structures on the surface of cells, in regulating Hedgehog (Hh) signaling. Hh signaling is crucial for proper development and is linked to various birth defects and cancers. The study aims to uncover how these proteins facilitate the transport of other signaling molecules within the cilium and their impact on neural development. By using advanced techniques to identify and analyze these proteins, the research seeks to provide insights into the mechanisms behind Hh signaling and its implications for health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating birth defects and cancers associated with Hedgehog signaling abnormalities.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding ciliary functions and their roles in signaling pathways, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, Merced
Merced, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ge, Xuecai — University of California, Merced
- Study coordinator: Ge, Xuecai
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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.