How the optic disc and optic nerve form
Optic Stalk-Disc Development and Differentiation
Researchers are using mouse models to learn how specific genes control the early formation of the optic disc and optic nerve to help people born with eye formation problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11131228 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses genetically modified mice to model human eye birth defects and to follow how optic disc and optic stalk cells develop. Scientists will create new genetic tools that let them turn genes on or off in the forming optic nerve and then look at tissue with microscopes and molecular tests. They will profile individual cells with single-cell sequencing to see how gene activity and epigenetic signals guide cells toward astrocyte fates. The team focuses on the Pax2 gene and related regulators to map the steps that go wrong in congenital optic nerve disorders.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People born with congenital optic disc or optic nerve malformations (for example aniridia, anophthalmia, or optic nerve hypoplasia) would be the most relevant group to follow this research or consider future related studies.
Not a fit: Patients with acquired optic nerve damage from glaucoma, trauma, or infections are less likely to benefit directly from this early developmental research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal molecular causes of congenital optic disc and nerve defects and guide future therapies or genetic counseling.
How similar studies have performed: Mouse genetics, imaging, and single-cell sequencing are established ways to map eye development, but the specific Pax2 enhancer tools and experiments here are novel.
Where this research is happening
Davis, United States
- University of California at Davis — Davis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brown, Nadean L — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Brown, Nadean 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.