Abstract

Primary cilia are antenna-like organelles composed of a centrosome and a microtubule-based axoneme that protrudes atop the surface of most cells. They have established roles in signaling and development, but less is known about their roles in the mature nervous system despite their persistence into adulthood. Recent studies show that primary cilia are important for behavior, feeding regulation, and neurodegeneration.

My work aims to study the role of primary cilia in frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Individuals affected with frontotemporal dementia have changes in behavior, executive function, and/or language that is often associated with atrophy in the frontal and temporal lobes. Our laboratory has demonstrated that two FTD proteins, TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) and stathmin-2 (STMN2) localize to the centrosome. Importantly, loss of TBK1 or STMN2 leads to defects in microtubules, centrosomes, and centriolar satellites. Our work aims to elucidate the role of centrosome and primary cilia proteins in normal aging and frontotemporal dementia. This work will further our understanding of the cellular based changes in FTD, and allow for a new way to understand the etiology of dementia.