Improving vision restoration by enhancing retinal cell integration
Official title: Regulating host neural activity to improve retinal ganglion cell replacement therapies
Funded at Schepens Eye Research Institute · NIH-11054203 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at ways to help new retinal cells work better with the eye's existing cells in people with glaucoma, so they can keep their vision longer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Schepens Eye Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $132,597 |
| NIH project number | 1K99EY036122-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11054203 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with glaucoma who are experiencing vision loss due to retinal ganglion cell degeneration.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with glaucoma who have advanced disease and no viable retinal tissue left for integration may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on glaucoma, a condition that leads to vision loss due to the death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). The project aims to improve the integration of transplanted RGCs into the retina by manipulating the neural activity of the host environment. By using specific techniques to control the retinal microenvironment, the researchers hope to enhance the functional connections between donor RGCs and existing retinal neurons. This approach involves both experimental models and electrophysiological recordings to assess the effectiveness of the integration process.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved therapies for restoring vision in patients with glaucoma by enhancing the effectiveness of retinal cell replacement treatments.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been studies on retinal cell transplantation, this specific approach of regulating host neural activity to enhance integration is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Schepens Eye Research Institute
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Soucy, Jonathan R — Schepens Eye Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Soucy, Jonathan R
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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.