Michel Leroux

Areas of interest

The focus of our studies is to identify and characterise proteins found within the cilium, an evolutionarily ancient microtubule-based organelle found on virtually all human cells. Using the nematode C. elegans, we study intraflagellar transport, a kinesin- and dynein-dependent transport process necessary to form and maintain the complex ciliary structure. We also aim to understand the makeup and function of the transition zone, a ‘gate’ that controls ciliary composition and thus function. Importantly, our biomedical research probes the molecular basis of several human disorders arising from ciliary dysfunction, including Bardet-Biedl Syndrome and Meckel syndrome. Such ‘ciliopathies’ are characterised by a wide range of ailments, such as obesity, kidney and heart anomalies, blindness, skeletal malformations, and neurosensory impairment.