How the eye makes retinal ganglion (optic nerve) cells
Regulatory mechanisms for retinal ganglion cell genesis
This project seeks to learn how immature retinal cells become retinal ganglion cells so future treatments might protect or replace them for people with optic nerve or retinal degenerative diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University of New York at Buffalo NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Amherst, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11334298 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use single-cell gene profiling and epigenetic mapping to watch how retinal progenitor cells choose to become retinal ganglion cells. They focus on key genes like ATOH7 and study how proteins compete at DNA control regions in transitional progenitor cells. Lab techniques such as CUT&Tag and CRISPR in model systems will map the switches that push cells toward an optic nerve neuron fate. The team hopes these findings will help guide future cell-replacement or gene therapies for optic nerve and retinal degeneration.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for eventual trials based on this work would be people with loss or risk of loss of retinal ganglion cells, such as those with glaucoma or inherited optic nerve disorders.
Not a fit: People whose eye disease does not involve retinal ganglion cells (for example some forms of macular degeneration) or those seeking immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to benefit directly from this basic lab research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify ways to grow, protect, or replace retinal ganglion cells to help people with glaucoma, inherited optic neuropathies, or other conditions that damage the optic nerve.
How similar studies have performed: Related single-cell and transcription-factor studies have improved understanding of retinal cell fate decisions and shown promise in directing some retinal cell types, but producing functional retinal ganglion cells for therapy remains largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
Amherst, United States
- State University of New York at Buffalo — Amherst, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mu, Xiuqian — State University of New York at Buffalo
- Study coordinator: Mu, Xiuqian
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.