How early retinal changes lead to retinoblastoma
Production and progression of premalignant retinoblastoma lesions.
This project looks at how early abnormal cells in the retina form and later turn into retinoblastoma in children, using lab-grown retinal tissue.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Children's Hospital of Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11170656 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers grow miniature human retinas in the lab to mimic early events that happen when the RB1 gene is lost in cone precursor cells. The team watches how these cells divide, stay quiet as premalignant lesions, or later form tumor-like foci, and they measure genetic and epigenetic changes over time. By comparing stages that stay dormant with those that progress, they aim to find molecular switches that let tumors start or stay stopped. The work uses stem cell–derived organoids, genetic tools, and molecular analyses to follow these changes at tissue ages similar to those seen in children.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be infants or children with a known germline RB1 mutation or a family history of retinoblastoma who might provide clinical samples or be considered for future trials.
Not a fit: People without RB1-related risk or adults with unrelated eye diseases are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to ways to prevent or delay retinoblastoma in children at genetic risk and to markers for earlier monitoring.
How similar studies have performed: Lab-grown retinal organoid models have previously reproduced early retinoblastoma-like changes, but turning those findings into patient treatments remains novel.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- Children's Hospital of Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cobrinik, David — Children's Hospital of Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Cobrinik, David
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.