Understanding how proteins are transported in cilia
Official title: Regulation of protein transport in cilia
Funded at University of Georgia · NIH-10997322 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how proteins are moved to tiny hair-like structures called cilia, which help cells move and communicate, and it could help us understand diseases like blindness and infertility that happen when cilia don’t work properly.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Georgia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Athens, United States) |
| Project start | December 8, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $490,327 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM152057-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10997322 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals affected by conditions linked to ciliary dysfunction, such as certain types of blindness or infertility.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to ciliary function or those who do not have any genetic predisposition to ciliary diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which proteins are transported to cilia, which are essential for cell movement and signaling. Using a model organism called Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, the study focuses on the intraflagellar transport (IFT) pathway that shuttles proteins into and out of cilia. The researchers aim to uncover how this transport system selects its cargo and regulates the loading of proteins, which is crucial for the proper functioning of cilia. This work could provide insights into various diseases caused by ciliary dysfunction, including blindness and infertility.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for diseases related to ciliary dysfunction, improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding protein transport mechanisms in cilia, but this specific approach using Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Georgia
Athens, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lechtreck, Karl — University of Georgia
- Study coordinator: Lechtreck, Karl
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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.