How light-sensing cells in the eye control our body's responses
Official title: Regulation of the intrinsic melanopsin-based light response in ipRGCs
Funded at University of Maryland Baltimore County · NIH-11092706 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project explores how special light-sensing cells in your eye help control important body functions like sleep, mood, and how your eyes react to light.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore County NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2017 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $565,053 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY027202-09 |
| Project ID | NIH-11092706 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients experiencing sleep disturbances, mood disorders, or other conditions affected by light exposure may eventually benefit from this foundational understanding.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose conditions are unrelated to light perception or circadian rhythms may not directly benefit from this specific area of research.
What this research studies
Light has a profound effect on human physiology and behavior, influencing everything from our sleep cycles to our mood and learning abilities. Special cells in the eye, called intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs), are crucial for how our bodies respond to light. These cells use a light-sensing pigment called melanopsin and also integrate signals from other eye cells to detect light. This project aims to understand the exact steps these cells use to process light signals and how these signals are regulated, including by substances like dopamine. By uncovering these fundamental mechanisms, we hope to gain insights into how light impacts our overall health and well-being.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding these light-sensing pathways could lead to new ways to address sleep disorders, mood issues, and other conditions related to light exposure.
How similar studies have gone: While previous work has identified some aspects of light-sensing cell function, this project aims to clarify controversial signaling pathways that are not yet fully understood.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Maryland Baltimore County
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Robinson, Phyllis R — University of Maryland Baltimore County
- Study coordinator: Robinson, Phyllis R
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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.