Gene switches that help retinal nerve cells survive and regrow
Epigenomic mechanisms regulating RGC survival and axon regeneration
This project looks at how changes in gene-control systems might help retinal nerve cells survive and regrow their connections in conditions like glaucoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11260260 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's view, researchers are studying the gene-control systems (epigenetics) that tell retinal ganglion cells whether to live or die and whether their axons can regrow. They use mouse models that mimic optic nerve injury and glaucoma and measure chromatin accessibility with techniques like ATAC‑seq to find which genes are turned on or off. The team brings together ophthalmology and epigenomics experts to test whether changing these gene-control programs can promote neuron survival and axon regeneration. This is preclinical work meant to identify targets for therapies that could later be tested in people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with glaucoma or recent optic nerve injury would be the eventual candidates for therapies developed from this research, although the current work is preclinical and does not enroll patients.
Not a fit: Patients with unrelated eye conditions (for example cataracts or macular degeneration) or those expecting immediate access to a new therapy are unlikely to benefit from this basic-science project right away.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new targets for treatments that protect retinal nerve cells and promote nerve repair in glaucoma and optic nerve injuries.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies have shown some epigenetic and growth-promoting interventions can spur axon regeneration in mice, but translating those findings to safe and effective human treatments remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tian, Feng — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Tian, Feng
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.