The fascinating cell antenna,
the primary cilium, vital
for human health 

We are interested in uncovering novel molecular mechanisms that govern cilia biogenesis and remodeling. We also aim to define the fundamentals of how the underexplored neuronal cilium modulates neuron morphology and connectivity. All these processes can be disrupted in neurological disorders. Our ultimate goal is to uncover the true power of the cilium in the brain and fully leverage its therapeutic potential.

Primary cilia and centrosome

Cilia / Centrosome

Ongoing Projects

Mechanisms of primary cilia dynamics

Primary cilia remodeling and dynamics are often disrupted in a wide range of severe developmental diseases in humans. Despite their significance, we know relatively little about the molecular mechanisms and extrinsic cues that mediate these processes. Previously, we discovered a unique modulator of cilia trafficking and integrity, found in an atypical compartment of the centrosome and mutated in a neurodevelopmental disorder. Using this model, the primary goal is to identify the molecular networks that determine how and why a signaling molecule gets into, moves through, and exits a cilium. We also aim to uncover what triggers the structural remodeling of a cilium and how it varies in normal and pathological conditions.

Neural signaling of primary cilia in the brain

Even though most neurons have a primary cilium, it is still unclear how this organelle mediates brain function and connectivity. Cilia dysfunction causes a variety of developmental syndromes, often accompanied by severe neurological symptoms and cognitive impairment. Their etiology remains poorly understood. The main goal of this project is to uncover the underexplored roles of neuronal cilia in the brain and how they are dysregulated in cilia-related disorders. To begin with, we identified the in vivo protein composition of these organelles and found several neural networks that were previously unknown to be enriched in cilia. Using these exciting findings, the lab is focused on three major questions: (1) What are the signals that the neuronal cilium can detect and process? (2) How do these signals get converted by the cilium? (3) And what are the downstream messengers and their effects on the neuron’s function and connectivity? Our long-term goal is to develop novel strategies for fine-tuning ciliary function to improve neurological manifestations in human disease.