How rod cells control the genes that let us see in low light
Molecular mechanisms of transcriptional regulation of phototransduction genes in mammalian rod photoreceptors
This project looks at how rod cells make and process the key light-sensing proteins, with the goal of better understanding causes of inherited retinal degeneration in adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11170555 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study how rods regulate the production and processing of rhodopsin and other phototransduction genes that let us detect light. They will examine how transcription and RNA splicing work together to create the right mRNA messages in rod cells, using laboratory models and molecular experiments. The team will identify factors that cause retina-specific RNA variants and test how changes in those processes can lead to photoreceptor dysfunction. Findings may point to molecular targets that could be used in future efforts to protect or restore photoreceptor cells.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would be adults with inherited retinal degeneration or adults willing to provide genetic samples or retinal tissue for research.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate vision-restoring treatments or those with non-retinal eye conditions are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic lab research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal molecular targets that lead to new ways to slow or prevent photoreceptor loss in inherited retinal degenerations.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have linked splicing and transcription defects to retinal disease, but detailed mechanisms in rod-specific gene regulation are still being worked out and remain largely experimental.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Corso-Diaz, Elsa Ximena — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Corso-Diaz, Elsa Ximena
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.