Cilia and Centrosomes - Cilia and flagella are microtubule-based organelles that extend from the cell surface to sense extracellular cues and move overlaying fluids. Cilia are built atop centrosomes. Once overlooked, these structures are the subject of many emerging discoveries in modern cell biology and human health. Over the past two decades, the recognition of cilia as critical hubs for cellular signaling has transformed understanding of numerous inherited diseases, now called ciliopathies. Defective cilia inform the causes of diseases (e.g., blindness, obesity and infertility). In intercellular communication, cilia play essential roles in signaling pathways such as Hedgehog signaling, involved in embryonic patterning and aberrantly activated to cause cancers. Additionally, many G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) mediating chemosensation function at cilia. And Polycystins, defects in which cause autosomal dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease, act as ciliary channels. Defects in centrosomes can disrupt ciliogenesis, leading to ciliopathies. Alterations in centrosome biogenesis can cause cancer and neurodevelopmental disorders. The FASEB Conference on the Biology of Cilia and Centrosomes is the premier international meeting focused on ciliary and centrosomal structure, function, signaling and disease. The conference convenes a highly interdisciplinary community of researchers, spanning cell, molecular, and developmental biology, human genetics, biochemistry, biophysics, physiology and clinical medicine, to explore the fundamental mechanisms and therapeutic potential of cilia and centrosome biology. This R13 proposal requests funds to support the participation of junior scientists and early-stage investigators, particularly those who have not previously attended this meeting. Their inclusion is critical to maintaining the vitality, diversity, and innovation of the field. A Meet-the-Experts session will provide networking between established leaders and emerging scientists. Additionally, three career development workshops, featuring representatives from academia, industry, publishing, and foundations, will highlight diverse professional trajectories and strategies for long-term success in science. And, newly, we add participation by individuals affected by ciliopathies and associated patient organization. The FASEB Conference on the Biology of Cilia and Centrosomes is consistently characterized by strong participation from postdoctoral fellows and early-career investigators alongside senior experts and now patients and patient advocates. This dynamic mix fosters mentoring, collaboration, and the cross- pollination of ideas across disciplines. The meeting’s overarching goal is to identify the most pressing challenges in cilia and centrosome biology, catalyze innovative research, and accelerate the translation of fundamental discoveries into treatments for cilia-related diseases.
