Identifying genes that help photoreceptors connect in the retina
Official title: Identification of genes involved in photoreceptor recognition and synapse formation
Funded at Univ of Maryland, College Park · NIH-11046535 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how light-sensing cells in the eye connect with other cells to help us see, with the goal of finding better ways to treat vision loss for people with eye diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Maryland, College Park NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Park, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $243,239 |
| NIH project number | 5R00EY030144-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11046535 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing vision loss due to retinal degeneration, particularly those with conditions affecting photoreceptors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with vision loss not related to photoreceptor degeneration may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how photoreceptors, the cells responsible for detecting light in the retina, connect with other cells to form functional visual circuits. By identifying specific genes that enable these connections, the study aims to improve cell-replacement therapies for vision loss caused by photoreceptor degeneration. The approach involves detailed analysis of different types of cone photoreceptors and their interactions with other retinal cells. This could lead to advancements in restoring vision for individuals affected by retinal diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that restore vision for patients suffering from blindness due to photoreceptor loss.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using cell-replacement therapies for retinal degeneration, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
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Univ of Maryland, College Park
College Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Angueyra, Juan — Univ of Maryland, College Park
- Study coordinator: Angueyra, Juan
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.