Creating a new model to understand Usher syndrome.
Official title: Generation of a new model for Usher syndrome.
Funded at Upstate Medical University · NIH-11012814 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is creating a new animal model to better understand how Usher syndrome affects vision and hearing, so researchers can find ways to help people with this condition keep or regain their sight.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Upstate Medical University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Syracuse, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $203,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R21EY035834-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11012814 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Usher syndrome type II or related conditions that involve retinal degeneration and hearing loss.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with Usher syndrome type I or those without genetic mutations in the USH2A gene may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new animal model that mimics the severe retinal degeneration seen in patients with Usher syndrome, a condition that causes both blindness and hearing loss. By studying how mutations in the USH2A gene affect photoreceptor health, researchers aim to uncover the underlying mechanisms of this disease. The model will help in testing potential therapies aimed at preserving or restoring vision in affected individuals. Patients may benefit from insights gained through this research, which could lead to effective treatments in the future.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that preserve or restore vision for patients with Usher syndrome.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has successfully developed animal models for similar genetic conditions, providing a foundation for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Upstate Medical University
Syracuse, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hu, Huaiyu — Upstate Medical University
- Study coordinator: Hu, Huaiyu
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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.