# In-depth molecular studies of dynein transport in the RPE

> **NIH NIH K99** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES · 2024 · $104,399

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
Phagosome clearance is a major function of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), one that is essential for the
health of the retina, and therefore our sense of vision. The clearance of phagosomes in the RPE is dependent
on molecular motors that orchestrate their transport towards lysosomal compartments for degradation. This
delivery involves the microtubule plus-end motor, kinesin-1. However, despite their net movement in the
anterograde direction, phagosomes exhibit bidirectional motility on microtubules in the RPE. This indicates the
actions of the retrograde motor, dynein, which moves various cargos in eukaryotic cells towards the minus-end
of microtubules. The role of dynein in the trafficking of phagosomes in the RPE is not understood. My current
research will focus on the contributions of dynein to the motility of phagosomes that promotes their efficient
clearance by the RPE. In aim 1, I will utilize state-of-the-art live-cell imaging on human RPE cells to test the
role of dynein in mediating transient interactions between phagosomes and degradative endolysosomal
compartments. In aim 2, I will perform in-depth molecular studies into the mechanisms that regulate dynein-
based transport in the RPE by investigating molecular intermediaries, called adaptor proteins, which link the
motor to its cargo. This will provide answers to how the dynein microtubule motor controls cargo specificity by
a combinatorial assembly of adaptor proteins. It will also shed light on how adaptor proteins participate in
regulating the coordination between opposing microtubule motors that brings about precise intracellular
transport. In applying for this award, my goal is to develop an independent research program at the interface of
RPE cell biology and molecular motor proteins. My development plan consists of obtaining expertise in
advanced live-cell imaging on human RPE (with Dr. David Williams, UCLA) and in-depth molecular training on
the dynein motor (with Dr. Samara Reck-Peterson, UCSD). In addition to my research training, I will attend
various conferences in vision science and general cell biology, as well as participate in UCLA-sponsored
programs that facilitate my transition to an independent principal investigator. Finally, my co-mentors will
provide me with guidance on managing a laboratory, training research staff, and preparation of grant
applications for several types of funding mechanisms. Collectively, this development plan will prepare me well
to obtain and excel in an independent position at a research institution.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10833083
- **Project number:** 5K99EY034576-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES
- **Principal Investigator:** Roni Hazim
- **Activity code:** K99 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $104,399
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-06-01 → 2026-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10833083

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10833083, In-depth molecular studies of dynein transport in the RPE (5K99EY034576-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10833083. Licensed CC0.

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