The Photoreceptor Cilium

描述（由申请人提供）：感光器外段是一根精细的初级纤毛。视蛋白沿纤毛的输送对光感受器细胞的功能和活力至关重要。本研究的总体目标是了解参与这些递送过程的细胞机制。将使用细胞生物学方法的组合，包括对活小鼠光感受器细胞纤毛中的蛋白质运动进行成像。研究将解决关于视蛋白进入和沿纤毛运输的问题，以及光感受器纤毛的膜扩散屏障。拟议的研究结合了技术创新，包括使用纤毛上皮细胞系和小鼠杆状光感受器细胞测量视蛋白沿着纤毛的实时运动。它将测试新颖

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The photoreceptor outer segment is an elaborate primary cilium. The delivery of opsin into and along the cilium is critical for photoreceptor cell function and viability. The overall goal of this study is to understand the cellular mechanisms involved in these delivery processes. A combination of cell biological methods, including imaging of protein movements in the cilium of live mouse photoreceptor cells, will be used. Studies will address questions about opsin entry into and transport along the cilium, and the membrane diffusion barrier of the photoreceptor cilium. The proposed research incorporates technical innovation, including the measurements of real-time movements of opsin along the cilium, using a ciliated epithelial cell line and mouse rod photoreceptor cells. It will test novel concepts of opsin trafficking and the organization of the photoreceptor cilium.