Primary cilia in metabolic disease
Primary cilia are cell-surface organelles that regulate energy metabolism in humans.
The cilia membrane is continuous with the plasma membrane, yet it maintains a unique lipid composition through unknown mechanisms. We are investigating how the cilia lipid environment is maintained, and what role this plays in metabolic diseases.
Plasma membrane lipid homeostasis
The plasma membrane is the cell gatekeeper- it is both the first line of defense against invading pathogens and a platform for communication between cells. Maintenance of plasma membrane lipids is essential for proper receptor signaling and membrane trafficking events like endocytosis. We are interested in how cells sense and control the organization of plasma membrane lipids. What proteins are involved? What proteins traffic lipids out of the membrane in response to stimuli?
We are tackling these questions using genetic screens, live-cell microscopy, and traditional biochemical approaches.
Interested to learn more? Please email mkinnebr(@)stanford.edu