The Bardet-Biedl syndrome is a ciliopathy that affects various tissues, with its main symptoms encompassing retinal cone-rod dystrophy, polydactyly, kidney dysfunction, and obesity. BBS arises from mutations in 26 different BBS genes. Interestingly, despite being obese, some BBS patients do not display metabolic complications (Picon-Galindo et al., Trends Immunol., 2021). The Wachten lab's mission is to uncover the molecular mechanisms that govern the role of primary cilia in controlling metaflammation.

 

To foster the interaction between the patients, their families, and the researchers and clinicians, the BBS Patient Days were organized in Bonn with the generous support of the SFB1454. The event commenced with scientific sessions, followed by fruitful discussions in smaller working groups and a world café setting. The entire day and weekend proved to be a tremendous success, leaving behind many happy faces. A heartfelt thank you goes out to all the patients and their families who journeyed to Bonn to participate in this important endeavor.

‍