How certain genes control eye cell development in the retina
Official title: Gene regulation of retinal cell differentiation
Funded at Albert Einstein College of Medicine · NIH-11418347 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Scientists are studying how specific eye-related genes control the development of retinal cells, which could help understand congenital eye conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albert Einstein College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2013 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $453,444 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY022645-13 |
| Project ID | NIH-11418347 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with congenital eye conditions such as microphthalmia, anophthalmia, or related developmental disorders may benefit from insights gained.
✕Less likely to help
People without congenital eye conditions or interest in eye development research are unlikely to benefit directly.
What this research studies
This project looks at how retinal progenitor cells decide what kind of eye cells to become, focusing on key transcription factors like Six3, Six6, Sox2, and Pax6. Researchers plan to map how these factors interact with DNA and with chromatin to determine cell fates in the developing retina. They will use advanced techniques such as CUT&RUN and single-cell ATAC sequencing to uncover direct target genes and chromatin changes. The findings could shed light on why mutations in these genes lead to conditions like microphthalmia and anophthalmia, potentially guiding future therapies. The work is conducted in a mouse model and human-relevant context to understand eye development at the molecular level.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could advance understanding of congenital eye disorders and inform strategies to prevent or treat them in the future.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have linked Six3/Six6/SOX2/Pax6 networks to retinal development, with ongoing interest in how chromatin regulation influences cell fate.
Where this research is happening
-
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Bronx, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Wei — Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Liu, Wei
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Participatory system dynamics to improve PrEP access in the Bronx
A community-driven project in the Bronx will use system dynamics to identify practical ways to help people at risk for HIV start and stay on PrEP.
-
Collaborative research network program for advancements in health science
A NIH-funded multi-institution project aims to advance health science through coordinated research efforts over five years for potential patient benefits.
-
Collaborative NIH Initiative to Advance Health
A national team project aims to make progress in a broad health area with potential benefits for patients.
-
A decentralized, post-incarceration program to help people living with or at risk for HIV
A patient-facing program called DEST2nation aims to help people recently released from jail or prison stay on HIV treatment (ART) and prevention (PrEP) by coordinating care, housing, and support services through peers and community organizations.
-
Project-002: a patient-facing look at a multi-institution effort
A concise, patient-friendly overview of a multi-site NIH project that may explore new approaches to health care over several years.
-
Plug-and-play vaccine and antibody blueprints for emerging flu-like viruses
A multi-team NIH grant aims to create adaptable vaccine and antibody blueprints to rapidly respond to new enveloped RNA viruses in three families.
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.