How vitamin A signaling keeps the eye's light-sensing layer healthy
Retinoid Signaling and Homeostasis in the Eye
['FUNDING_R01'] · MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN · NIH-11249589
This project looks at how a protein called STRA6 controls vitamin A signals that help the retinal pigment epithelium support vision, which could help people with eye-development conditions like Matthew-Wood syndrome.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (MILWAUKEE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11249589 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This lab-based project uses zebrafish, which have cone-rich eyes, to model how STRA6 functions in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Researchers will use CRISPR gene editing to disable STRA6 and its ligand RBP4, and to make precise amino-acid changes that separate STRA6's transport and signaling roles. They will measure which genes change activity when STRA6 is altered and then inactivate those downstream genes to see which are needed for RPE survival and photoreceptor support. The experiments aim to map molecular pathways that could explain why STRA6 mutations cause microphthalmia-anophthalmia and point to targets for future therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People or families with STRA6 mutations, Matthew-Wood syndrome, or congenital microphthalmia/anophthalmia may be most interested in these findings.
Not a fit: Patients with eye problems unrelated to vitamin A signaling or STRA6 mutations are unlikely to see direct benefits from this preclinical work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal molecular targets to preserve RPE health or guide treatments for STRA6-related eye development disorders.
How similar studies have performed: CRISPR and zebrafish have been effectively used to study retinal genes before, but applying these tools to STRA6's signaling role in the RPE is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
MILWAUKEE, UNITED STATES
- MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN — MILWAUKEE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: COLLERY, ROSS F — MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN
- Study coordinator: COLLERY, ROSS F
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.