How retinal cells might be reprogrammed to replace lost neurons
Mechanisms regulating the plasticity of postmitotic cells in mammalian retina
This research tries to find whether switching on specific genes can help adult retinal cells change into the nerve cells needed to replace those lost in retinal diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11082304 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers analyzed gene activity in newly born retinal cells to find genes that help cells decide their final type. They use single-cell RNA sequencing data, retroviral-based genetic tools, and light-sheet microscopy to study these genes' roles in living tissue. A focus is on the transcription factor Myt1, which helps newborn retinal cells become neurons rather than glia during development. The team will test whether the same genes can coax adult retinal cells to reprogram into useful neuron types that are damaged in disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This work is ultimately aimed at people with retinal degenerative diseases (for example age-related macular degeneration or retinitis pigmentosa), although the current project is preclinical.
Not a fit: People whose vision loss is due to non-retinal causes (such as optic nerve injury or cortical blindness) are unlikely to benefit from these retinal reprogramming approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to ways to regenerate retinal neurons from a patient’s own cells and potentially restore vision lost to retinal disease.
How similar studies have performed: Animal and lab studies have shown that changing key genes can reprogram retinal cells, but applying Myt1-driven reprogramming to adult mammalian retina is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Sui — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Wang, Sui
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.