How the eye's light-sensing cells connect to other retinal cells
Official title: Molecular Basis of Photoreceptor Wiring
Funded at University of Miami School of Medicine · NIH-11504339 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This work looks at molecules that help rod and cone photoreceptors make correct connections so people with inherited synaptic vision problems might benefit.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2017 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $490,435 |
| NIH project number | 7R01EY028033-09 |
| Project ID | NIH-11504339 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with congenital stationary blindness or other inherited conditions that affect photoreceptor-to-bipolar cell signaling would be the most relevant patients to follow this work or join related clinical efforts.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose vision loss is due to widespread photoreceptor cell death, non-synaptic retinal diseases, or unrelated eye conditions are less likely to benefit from synapse-focused findings.
What this research studies
The team is studying how rod and cone photoreceptors in the retina form precise synapses with downstream bipolar cells, focusing on molecules called LRIT1 and the adhesion GPCR LPHN3. They use cell biology and biochemical experiments, electrical recordings from single cells and whole retinas, and behavioral tests in animal models to link molecular changes to visual function. The researchers aim to understand how faults in these connections cause congenital stationary blindness and related vision problems. Results are intended to point to molecular targets or strategies that could be used in future therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal targets or strategies to restore or improve synaptic signaling in people with congenital synaptic vision disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has identified other synaptic molecules and shown functional effects in animal models, but the specific roles of LRIT1 and LPHN3 at cone synapses are relatively new.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Miami School of Medicine
Coral Gables, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Martemyanov, Kirill a. — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Martemyanov, Kirill a.
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.