How the inner retina changes after photoreceptor loss
Molecular and physiological mechanisms of inner retinal remodeling
Looks at whether blocking a molecule called the retinoic acid receptor can calm overactive retinal output cells and help people with retinal degeneration see more clearly.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11270834 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, researchers are trying to understand why the inner retinal cells become noisy and overactive after the light-sensing cells (rods and cones) die, which makes remaining vision and vision-restoration treatments less effective. The team will focus on retinal ganglion cells and the role of the retinoic acid receptor, using genetic and drug tools in laboratory models to reduce this abnormal activity. They will measure how those manipulations change the signal-to-noise of visual responses, contrast sensitivity, and whether the retina becomes more compatible with approaches like optogenetics. Results are intended to point toward drug targets or treatment strategies that could be tested in people in the future.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with retinal degenerative diseases (for example inherited or age-related photoreceptor loss) would be the eventual candidates for treatments that emerge from this work.
Not a fit: Those whose vision loss is due to non-degenerative causes (such as acute trauma or isolated optic nerve injury) are unlikely to benefit from this retina-specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to treatments that reduce damaging retinal noise and improve the effectiveness of vision-restoration therapies for people with retinal degeneration.
How similar studies have performed: Early preclinical work showed that blocking the retinoic acid receptor reduced retinal ganglion cell hyperactivity and improved contrast sensitivity and acuity in vivo, but human testing has not yet been done.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- University of Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Telias, Michael — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Telias, Michael
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.