Exploring how retinal pigment epithelium cells can regenerate retinal neurons
Official title: A Roadmap to Uncover RPE Plasticity
Funded at Miami University Oxford · NIH-11093926 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain eye cells might be able to help repair damaged nerve cells in the retina, which could lead to new treatments for people with vision loss from retinal diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Miami University Oxford NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oxford, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $361,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY034980-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11093926 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from degenerative retinal diseases, particularly those who may benefit from innovative regenerative therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with retinal conditions that are not degenerative or those who are not candidates for regenerative therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the potential of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells to regenerate retinal neurons, which is crucial for treating degenerative retinal diseases. The study focuses on understanding the gene regulatory mechanisms that allow RPE cells to reprogram into neural retina during early embryonic development. By mapping the changes in gene expression and epigenetic modifications, the research aims to identify the barriers that prevent RPE cells from maintaining their regenerative capabilities as they mature. This could lead to innovative therapies for restoring vision in patients with retinal degeneration.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that restore vision by enabling the regeneration of retinal neurons in patients with degenerative retinal diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in reprogramming RPE cells, indicating that this approach may lead to significant advancements in regenerative medicine.
Where this research is happening
-
Miami University Oxford
Oxford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Del Rio-Tsonis, Katia — Miami University Oxford
- Study coordinator: Del Rio-Tsonis, Katia
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.