We are interested in revealing the mysteries of primary cilium. Primary cilium is a tiny, hair-like, microtubule-based organelle present in almost every vertebrate cell. The microenvironment in cilium is unique compared to most other actin-based signaling domains. It is highly sensitive to extracellular signals such as nutrients, morphogens, hormones, and mechanical stimuli. Cilium emanates from the basal body residing underneath the plasma membrane. Dismantling primary cilium is a prerequisite for the initiation of cell cycle. The primary cilium is thus considered the “keeper of the key for cell division”. Primary cilium plays crucial roles in a variety of physiological functions including cell division, development, sensory perception and energy balance. Defect of cilia lead to a broad spectrum of human diseases including polycystic kidney disease, obesity, cancer, diabetes, sensory defects and intellectual disability. In the nervous system, every neuron virtually has one primary cilium. Neuronal primary cilium is a unique type of neuronal process, locating in the cell boy but lacking synaptic structures or connections. Therefore, neuronal primary cilium mostly depends on metabotropic receptors to transmit signals downstream. A couple of GPCRs such as type 3 somatostatin receptor and type 6 serotonin receptor are highly expressed in primary cilium. Type III adenylyl cyclase (AC3) is a predominant adenylyl cyclase and enriched in neuronal primary cilium. In this regard, AC3 is a key enzyme for cAMP-mediated signaling in neuronal cilium and is a crucial element for the “antenna” to execute its functions in neuron.
We are dedicated to studying the cAMP signaling specifically in primary cilia. First, our lab aims to determine how type III adenylyl cyclase (AC3) at neuronal primary cilia affects neuronal function and examine how defects of AC3 lead to major depression and obesity. We are also interested in unraveling the contributions of primary cilia in neurodegeneration and brain aging.
We have a couple of research opportunities for undergraduates and graduates to acquire research expertise in primary cilia and skills in the field of neuroscience. We also have one open postdoctoral position to study the cAMP signaling in primary cilia. The research approaches include electrophysiology and EEG/EMG recording, mouse behavioral analysis, in vivo imaging using fiber-optic endoscope, molecular and cellular tools. We are establishing collaborations with research labs in USA, Germany, and Canada. Interested individuals (for the postdoc position) should have a Ph.D and research experience in neurobiology, and/or cell biology. Interested candidates at various levels are encouraged to contact Dr. Xuanmao Chen at Xuanmao.Chen@unh.edu
