Welcome to the Primary Cilia Lab
Our lab is interested in the role of the primary cilium in mechanically-responsive
cells such as chondrocytes and fibroblasts.
Primary cilia are single cytoplasmic organelles found in virtually all eukaryotic
cells. They protrude from the
cell surface into the extracellular space and are thought to function as chemosensors and/or mechanosensors in several
tissues such as the photoreceptors in the eye, odorant receptors in the ear and
epithelial cells in the kidney.
Since the discovery that defective primary cilia in kidney cells cause polycystic
kidney disease (the most common autosomal dominant disease in humans), primary cilia
research has undergone an incredible surge of activity.
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Our lab is specifically interested in the mechanosensory role of primary cilia in
connective tissues such as cartilage and renal fibrosis. |
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We use cells derived from transgenic mice with known ciliary defects to examine
the role of the primary cilia-related signalling mechanisms involved in connective
tissue remodelling and repair. |
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We also have an interest in the application of microscopical techniques in forensic
science, and in the development of 3D kidney animations. |
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Techniques used in the lab include mechanical compression of 3D cultures, live cell
imaging, confocal and electron microscopy, and standard molecular based assays. |
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The team (left to right): Sarah Kennedy, Taryn Saggese, Cynthia Jensen, Benedict Uy,
Sue McGlashan and Lulu Zuo.
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