Summary
This research project aims to define the signaling mechanisms utilized by primary cilia to enable appropriate neuronal functions for neural circuit formation and maintenance, and to explore primary cilia as a therapeutic conduit for neural circuit malfunctions.
What they want
The project will leverage optogenetic and chemogenetic interrogation of signaling from primary cilia, map neuronal ciliary receptome, profile ciliary connectome within human cerebral cortical circuitry, conduct live imaging of cilia-driven neuronal activity and transcriptional changes during neural circuit plasticity in living animals, and model human ciliopathies in brain organoids with the goal of rescuing circuit malfunctions using primary cilia as a tool. The ultimate goal is to reveal how primary cilia activity transforms into changes in neuronal circuit function and identify pathways for ameliorating neural circuit disorders.
