How RNA molecules guide retinal development
Regulation of Retinal Development by RNA molecules
This project looks at how non-coding RNAs control developing retinal cells, which could help people with retinal diseases like age-related macular degeneration.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11182650 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study long non-coding RNAs found in human and mouse retinas to understand how they influence which retinal cells form. They will change the levels of a specific RNA called Gm11454 using gain- and loss-of-function models and use viral rescue experiments to test its effects. The team will map where these RNAs bind DNA and interact with transcription factors using methods like Chromatin Isolation by RNA Precipitation, ATAC-seq, and CUT&RUN to see how gene activity and chromatin structure are altered. Understanding these RNA-guided programs could point to new ways to protect or regenerate retinal cells.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with retinal degenerative conditions like age-related macular degeneration or those willing to donate retinal tissue or samples for research are most relevant to this project.
Not a fit: People without retinal disease or those seeking immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic laboratory-focused research in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new molecular targets to protect or repair retinal cells in diseases such as age-related macular degeneration.
How similar studies have performed: Laboratory studies have shown some long non-coding RNAs can regulate gene activity, but moving these findings into approved treatments for retinal disease remains early and largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Clark, Brian S — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Clark, Brian S
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.