Investigating a new type of brain cell involved in eye movement control
Official title: Understanding the Role of a Novel Cell Type in Triggering Voluntary Saccades
Funded at Suny Downstate Medical Center · NIH-10927403 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new type of brain cell in baby zebrafish to see how it helps start quick eye movements, which can sometimes cause vision problems, with the hope of finding better treatments for eye movement disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Suny Downstate Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Brooklyn, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $245,568 |
| NIH project number | 5R00EY027017-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10927403 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing involuntary eye movements or related vision problems.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without any eye movement disorders or those not experiencing visual disturbances may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how a newly identified type of brain cell contributes to the initiation of rapid eye movements known as saccades. By using advanced imaging techniques in larval zebrafish, researchers will observe the activity of these cells before eye movements occur. The study aims to understand the mechanisms behind involuntary eye movements that can disrupt vision, potentially leading to better treatments for oculomotor disorders. The approach combines structural and functional analyses to provide insights into the neural circuits responsible for eye movement.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for patients with oculomotor disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While this research explores a novel cell type, similar studies in understanding eye movement mechanisms have shown promising results.
Where this research is happening
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Suny Downstate Medical Center
Brooklyn, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ramirez, Alexandro D — Suny Downstate Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Ramirez, Alexandro D
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.