How nerve activity affects blood vessel growth and barrier formation in the retina
Official title: The role of neuronal activity on retinal angiogenesis and blood-retina barrier (BRB) maturation
Funded at Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru · NIH-11241181 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $248,999 |
| NIH project number | 4R00EY033909-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11241181 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with retinal conditions that may benefit from improved understanding of blood vessel growth and barrier function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with retinal conditions unrelated to angiogenesis or blood-retinal barrier issues may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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 Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Biswas, Saptarshi — Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
- Study coordinator: Biswas, Saptarshi
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.