How cell signals shape the developing eye
Morphogenetic signaling from the cell surface to the nucleus during vertebrate eye development
This project looks at how a key cell signaling system controls eye formation to help people born with developmental eye conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11123415 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use vertebrate models (like zebrafish) and molecular tools to follow Hedgehog pathway signals from the cell surface into the nucleus during eye formation. They will study how the receptor SMOOTHENED (SMO) interacts with the enzyme PKA to allow activation of GLI transcription factors, and compare that direct route with traditional G protein signaling. Experiments include genetic manipulation, biochemistry, and imaging to map which signaling routes control different stages of oculogenesis. Findings aim to reveal targets for therapies or regenerative approaches for congenital eye disorders.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People born with or with a family history of developmental eye disorders (for example coloboma, holoprosencephaly-associated defects, or inherited retinal dystrophies) would be most relevant to this research and future trials.
Not a fit: Patients with purely adult-onset eye conditions (for example typical age-related macular degeneration) are unlikely to see direct benefit from this developmental biology-focused work in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent or treat congenital eye defects such as coloboma, holoprosencephaly-related eye abnormalities, or some retinal dystrophies.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research has firmly established Hedgehog signaling as essential for eye development, but the recently described direct SMO–PKA interaction is novel and is only beginning to be tested.
Where this research is happening
Salt Lake City, United States
- Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah — Salt Lake City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Myers, Benjamin — Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Myers, Benjamin
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.