3-D mapping of retinal cell and circuit changes in degenerative vision loss
Mesoscale correlative light-electron microscopy (CLEM) computational pathoconnectomes of degenerated retinas
This project builds detailed 3-D maps of how retinal cells and their connections change during different stages of retinal degeneration to help people with vision loss.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11176832 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, investigators will combine very high-resolution electron microscopy images with whole-retina viral tracing to see both tiny details and long-range connections of retinal cells across four stages of degeneration. They will create computational “pathoconnectomes” that model how photoreceptors, interneurons, and ganglion cells rewire as disease progresses. The work uses tissue imaging, viral labeling to trace cell classes, and large-scale computational reconstruction to stitch together mesoscale networks. These models aim to reveal patterns of connectivity loss or remodeling that are missed by lower-resolution clinical imaging.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with inherited or age-related retinal degeneration who can donate retinal tissue, participate in related imaging or clinical registries, or otherwise contribute samples or clinical data.
Not a fit: People whose vision problems are caused by non-retinal issues (for example, optic nerve or brain disorders) or who cannot provide tissue or clinical data are unlikely to directly participate or benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the project could reveal specific cellular and circuit changes that drive vision loss and point to new targets or timing for treatments.
How similar studies have performed: High-resolution microscopy and viral tracing have been successful in animal models and limited human-tissue studies, but combining mesoscale CLEM with large-scale computational pathoconnectomes across all degeneration stages is a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, UNITED STATES
- University of Southern California — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lazzi, Gianluca — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Lazzi, Gianluca
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.