Lukáš Čajánek

Lukáš Čajánek serves as an Assistant Professor at Masaryk University in Brno, leading a research group dedicated to elucidating the mechanisms and functions of primary cilia and centrosomes. Established in 2015 through a SoMoPro fellowship, his laboratory investigates fundamental cellular processes critical for embryonic development and tissue homeostasis.

His academic journey includes:

• Ph.D. (2011) from Karolinska Institute, Sweden, under Ernest Arenas, focusing on WNT signaling in dopamine neuron differentiation
• Postdoctoral training at Biozentrum, University of Basel, Switzerland, with Erich Nigg, studying centrosome biogenesis and ciliogenesis

Dr. Čajánek's research centers on primary cilium assembly and function, with particular emphasis on TTBK2 kinase as a master regulator across vertebrates. His work addresses how cilium dysfunction leads to ciliopathies—diseases estimated to affect up to 100 human conditions—through rigorous exploration of molecular pathways governing ciliogenesis and centrosome dynamics.

Analysis of his publications (2013-2020) reveals consistent investigation into ciliary protein networks, including TTBK2, Cep164, and KIF14, spanning cell biology, molecular signaling, and disease mechanisms. Key themes include phosphorylation cascades, intraflagellar transport, and Hedgehog signaling pathways, utilizing methodologies from proteomics to super-resolution microscopy.

His scientific recognition includes:

• SoMoPro fellowship (2015)

Research funding is secured through Czech Science Foundation grants and previously via the Swiss National Science Foundation's PROMYS scheme, which enabled his 2017 appointment as Assistant Professor. His laboratory provides mentorship in advanced techniques including gene editing, live-cell imaging, and animal modeling.

The Mechanisms and functions of primary cilia group employs state-of-the-art instrumentation for cellular analysis, maintaining active collaborations and contributing to international cilia research through publications in high-impact journals like PNAS, Science, and Journal of Cell Biology.