How nerve activity affects blood vessel growth and barrier formation in the retina

The role of neuronal activity on retinal angiogenesis and blood-retina barrier (BRB) maturation

NIH-funded research Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru · NIH-11241181

This study is looking at how nerve cells in the eye communicate with blood vessels and how this affects their growth and health, which could help us understand eye conditions better.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Cleveland, United States)
Project IDNIH-11241181 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the interactions between nerve cells and blood vessels in the retina, focusing on how neuronal activity influences the growth of blood vessels and the maturation of the blood-retinal barrier. The study aims to identify specific neurotransmitters involved in these processes and how they affect endothelial cells and supporting glial cells. By using various mouse models, researchers will explore the effects of synaptic activity on retinal angiogenesis and barrier development during critical growth periods. This could lead to a better understanding of retinal health and disease.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with retinal conditions that may benefit from improved understanding of blood vessel growth and barrier function.

Not a fit: Patients with retinal conditions unrelated to angiogenesis or blood-retinal barrier issues may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for retinal diseases that involve abnormal blood vessel growth or barrier dysfunction.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of neuronal activity in vascular development, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Cleveland, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.