CILIANALYSIS
Better tools to diagnose and understand Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia
Improved analysis of ciliary structure and function in Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia
Lukas Kapitein, UU
Eric Haarman, AUMC
Tamara Paff, UMCU Visualise.bio B.V.
Zeiss
In this project, doctors, researchers and companies are working together to improve the diagnosis and treatment of Primary Ciliairy Dyskinesia (PCD).
PCD is a rare inherited lung disease in which tiny hair-like structures, called cilia, do not work properly. Normally, cilia help clear mucus and germs from the airways. When they do not function well, people with PCD can experience chronic coughing, repeated respiratory infections and, over time, permanent lung damage.
PCD affects about 1 in 10,000 people. Because the condition can take many different forms and is difficult to recognise, it may take years before a correct diagnosis is made. Current diagnostic tests can be complex, time-consuming and expensive, and may not detect all abnormalities.
This project investigates whether advanced microscopy techniques can provide a faster and more detailed view of cilia. Expansion microscopy and light-sheet microscopy may help researchers better understand the structure and movement of cilia, improve diagnosis and assess whether new treatments are effective.
The project brings together expertise from Amsterdam UMC, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht University, Visualise.bio and Zeiss. By combining clinical, biological and technological knowledge, the partners aim to support faster and more reliable diagnosis and better evaluation of new treatments. Ultimately, this could contribute to better care and an improved quality of life for people with PCD.
