How Brain Cells Guide Blood Vessel Growth in the Eye
Neuronal Regulation of Vascular Development and Maturation in the Retina
This work explores how nerve cell activity helps blood vessels grow and mature correctly in the retina, the light-sensing part of the eye.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11110462 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our eyes rely on a healthy network of blood vessels to deliver oxygen and nutrients, and this project aims to understand how nerve cells in the retina communicate with other cells to build this network. We are particularly interested in how the signals from nerve cells, called neurotransmitters, influence the development of these blood vessels and the formation of a protective barrier. By studying these interactions, we hope to uncover the fundamental processes that ensure proper vision. This research uses mouse models to observe how different types of nerve cell activity affect blood vessel growth and maturation in the eye.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not involve direct patient participation, but future studies building on this knowledge could benefit individuals with retinal vascular diseases.
Not a fit: Patients without conditions related to retinal blood vessel development or maturation are unlikely to directly benefit from this specific basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent or treat eye conditions caused by abnormal blood vessel development, such as those seen in premature babies or people with diabetes.
How similar studies have performed: While some signals promoting blood vessel formation are known, the specific role of nerve cell activity and neurotransmitters in this process is largely unexplored, making this a novel area of focus.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Agalliu, Dritan — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Agalliu, Dritan
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.