UGUniversity of Georgia · Biology
Cilia Dynamics and Transport Unit
Karl F. Lechtreck · Athens, Georgia
Research Focus
Dr. Karl F. Lechtreck's lab focuses on understanding how the tiny hair-like structures on cells, called cilia, are assembled and how they transport proteins critical for their function. Cilia play important roles in cell movement and signaling, and problems with cilia can lead to health issues like blindness or infertility. By exploring the mechanisms of protein transport in cilia using a simple model organism, the lab aims to shed light on these vital cellular processes which have wider implications for human health.
CiliaIntraflagellar TransportProtein TransportCell MotilitySignal TransductionChlamydomonas reinhardtiiMolecular MotorsCiliary DysfunctionsDisease Mechanisms
Research Aims
5AIM 01Investigate how proteins are transported into cilia through intraflagellar transport (IFT).
AIM 02Determine the regulatory mechanisms that control the frequency of protein transport into cilia.
AIM 03Explore alternative pathways of protein entry into cilia that do not rely on IFT.
AIM 04Analyze the role of adapter proteins in the IFT process and their connection to disease.
AIM 05Study the relationship between ciliary length and protein transport efficiency.
Skills the Lab Values
Cell CultureMicroscopyIn Vivo ImagingMolecular CloningProtein PurificationBiochemical AssaysGenetic ManipulationWestern BlottingFluorescence Imaging
Output against the department
Publications116bottom 41% of dept.608th of 1,033
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations5.3kbottom 40% of dept.623rd of 1,033
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.