Improving myelination to restore vision after nerve injury
Official title: Promoting myelination of regenerating axons for vision restoration
Funded at Boston Children's Hospital · NIH-11066507 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at ways to help the optic nerve heal after injuries or conditions like multiple sclerosis and glaucoma, by finding treatments that encourage the growth of cells that help restore vision.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $560,851 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY036220-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11066507 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with optic nerve injuries or conditions that cause demyelination, such as multiple sclerosis or glaucoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with intact optic nerves and no history of demyelinating conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the myelination of regenerating axons in the optic nerve, which is crucial for restoring vision after injuries or diseases like multiple sclerosis and glaucoma. The team investigates how certain treatments can promote the differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells into myelinating cells, which are essential for efficient nerve signal transmission. By using specific models of optic nerve injury, they aim to identify mechanisms that can be targeted to improve myelination and ultimately support vision recovery. Patients may benefit from new therapeutic strategies that could lead to better outcomes in vision restoration.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that restore vision in patients with optic nerve injuries or demyelinating diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in promoting myelination in similar contexts, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston Children's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: He, Zhigang — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: He, Zhigang
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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.