Creating genetic tools to study specific cell types in the Drosophila visual system
Official title: A Comprehensive Cell-Type-Specific Developmental Genetic Toolkit for the Drosophila Visual System
Funded at New York University · NIH-11039236 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about creating special tools to help scientists understand how certain nerve cells in fruit flies' eyes work, so they can learn more about how vision functions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $257,750 |
| NIH project number | 1R21NS140885-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11039236 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research would be individuals interested in the genetic basis of neural function and development, particularly those with conditions related to visual processing.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to neural development or visual processing may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a toolkit that allows scientists to identify and manipulate specific types of neurons in the visual system of fruit flies. By utilizing advanced single-cell genomic technologies, the project aims to create genetic tools that can label and control these cell types throughout their development. This will involve generating split-GAL4 lines that target specific genes, enabling researchers to study the functions and interactions of these neurons in detail. The ultimate goal is to enhance our understanding of how different cell types contribute to the overall function of the visual system.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to breakthroughs in understanding neural development and function, which may have implications for treating neurological disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has successfully utilized similar genetic tools in model organisms, indicating a promising approach for this project.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Desplan, Claude — New York University
- Study coordinator: Desplan, Claude
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Adolescent girls in Uganda: a long-term look at how money empowerment and family support affect HIV prevention, care, and mental health
A long-term study in rural Uganda will test whether an intervention that combines economic empowerment and family strengthening can help HIV-negative and HIV-affected adolescent girls move safely into young adulthood.
-
Long-term HIV prevention and mental health support for adolescent girls and young women in Uganda
A long-term program in rural Uganda tests if combining economic support and family strengthening helps teenage girls stay HIV-free and improve mental health as they grow into young adults.
-
SNEngage: How Social Networks and Supports Shape Mental Health Care for Black and Latino Individuals with Serious Mental Illness
A long-term study following Black and Latino individuals with serious mental illness to learn how their social networks affect engagement with mental health services and overall well-being.
-
Endosomal signaling and cancer pain control in oral cancer
A study to understand how signals inside nerve cells and supportive cells contribute to pain in people with oral cancer.
-
Accelerating hydroxyurea use for sickle cell disease in Nigeria
A pragmatic study in Nigeria aims to help doctors use hydroxyurea more consistently for people with sickle cell disease.
-
Preventing youth violence by better delivering proven programs to middle schools
A large study in middle schools will test practical ways to help teachers implement a well-known social-emotional learning program so it reaches students as intended.
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.