NIH-funded research R01 grant

Investigating genetic causes of eye and brain diseases

Official title: Homeotic hotspot in the human genome for eye and brain disease

Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-10879166 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how certain genetic changes can cause eye and brain disorders like BASR syndrome and retinitis pigmentosa, and it's for anyone interested in understanding these conditions better and finding new ways to treat them.

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Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California at Davis
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Davis, United States)
Project startAugust 1, 2022
Project endJune 30, 2027
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$447,154
NIH project number5R01EY033742-03
Project IDNIH-10879166 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with BASR syndrome, retinitis pigmentosa, or other related genetic disorders affecting the eye or brain.

Less likely to help

Patients with non-genetic causes of eye or brain disorders may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the genetic mutations that lead to various eye and brain disorders, including BASR syndrome and retinitis pigmentosa. By examining specific DNA insertions in the human genome, the study aims to uncover how these mutations disrupt normal development and function of these organs. The researchers will utilize advanced techniques such as patient-derived stem cells and 3D chromatin interaction assays to explore the underlying mechanisms of these diseases. This approach may help identify new therapeutic targets and improve our understanding of these conditions.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments or interventions for patients suffering from genetic eye and brain disorders.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding genetic mutations related to similar disorders, indicating that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

  • University of California at Davis
    Davis, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Glaser, Thomas M. — University of California at Davis
  • Study coordinator: Glaser, Thomas M.

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Homeotic changes in human eye and brain disease linked to Xq27 insertions

    Aims to understand why certain DNA insertions at the Xq27 site near SOX3 cause eye and brain disorders by studying patient cells and mouse models.

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  • How a common virus can cause deadly brain disease (PML)

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    NIH research Brown University · Providence, United States · NIH-11369625

  • Shared neuroscience platform to advance brain research and training

    A national hub at Stanford provides shared brain-research tools, models, and imaging methods to help scientists study brain development, disease, and behavior using 3D cultures, organoids, and viral vectors.

    NIH research Stanford University · Stanford, United States · NIH-11355352

  • Understanding how mutations in brain cells contribute to brain diseases.

    This study is looking at how tiny genetic changes in different brain cells might contribute to conditions like focal cortical dysplasia, which can cause severe epilepsy and other brain-related issues, to help us understand how these changes affect brain health and function.

    NIH research University of California, San Diego · La Jolla, United States · NIH-11166304

  • An X‑chromosome genetic hotspot linked to inherited eye and brain disorders

    This project looks at how DNA insertions near the SOX3 gene on the X chromosome cause several inherited eye and brain conditions by changing which cells genes turn into, using patient cells and lab models.

    NIH research University of California at Davis · Davis, United States · NIH-11128696

  • A platform for advancing brain research and training

    This study is all about bringing together tools and training to help researchers better understand how the brain develops and what happens when it gets sick, so if you're a scientist interested in brain research, this is a great chance to learn new techniques and work with others in the field!

    NIH research Stanford University · Stanford, United States · NIH-11088239

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.