How the FOXE3 gene controls eye lens development
Utilizing the Chicken Embryo to Decode the Transcriptional Regulation of FOXE3
Researchers will use chick embryos to map the DNA switches that turn the FOXE3 gene on in the eye lens to help people born with missing or small lenses (aphakia or microphthalmia).
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Miami University Oxford NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oxford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11261147 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses the chick embryo's simple, well-mapped lens to find the DNA control elements that tell the FOXE3 gene when and where to turn on. Scientists will combine genome-wide sequencing to identify candidate regulatory elements with functional tests in embryos to see which sequences are required for FOXE3 expression. They will compare these results to prior mouse data to build a regulatory "grammar" for how FOXE3 is controlled during lens development. The work is laboratory-based and uses animal embryos rather than enrolling patients directly.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with congenital lens disorders (aphakia or microphthalmia) or families with known FOXE3 gene changes would be the most relevant patient group.
Not a fit: People with common age-related cataracts or unrelated eye conditions are unlikely to see direct benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could improve genetic diagnosis and point to targets for future therapies for congenital lens disorders like aphakia and microphthalmia.
How similar studies have performed: Genome-wide mapping and chick embryo functional tests have identified regulatory elements for other eye genes, but functionally decoding FOXE3 in vivo is a newer application of these methods.
Where this research is happening
Oxford, United States
- Miami University Oxford — Oxford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Robinson, Michael L — Miami University Oxford
- Study coordinator: Robinson, Michael L
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.