Investigating how a specific protein affects eye health and development
Official title: Retinoid Signaling and Homeostasis in the Eye
Funded at Medical College of Wisconsin · NIH-10996190 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a protein called STRA6 in the eye to see how it affects the health of a part of the eye that helps us see, using zebrafish to learn more about eye development and conditions like Matthew-Wood syndrome.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical College of Wisconsin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $390,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY034842-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10996190 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with genetic mutations affecting STRA6 or those diagnosed with Matthew-Wood syndrome.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with eye conditions unrelated to STRA6 or those over 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of a protein called STRA6 in the eye, particularly in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). The study aims to explore how STRA6 influences genetic pathways that are crucial for the health and function of the RPE, which supports photoreceptors in the eye. Using zebrafish as a model, researchers will manipulate STRA6 and its associated pathways to determine their impact on eye development and function. This could lead to insights into conditions like Matthew-Wood syndrome, which is linked to eye abnormalities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for eye conditions related to STRA6 dysfunction, potentially improving vision and quality of life for affected individuals.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific role of STRA6 in the eye is not extensively studied, similar approaches in other biological systems have shown promise in understanding protein functions and their implications for health.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical College of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Collery, Ross F — Medical College of Wisconsin
- Study coordinator: Collery, Ross F
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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.