Investigating how certain proteins can help protect and regenerate nerve cells in the eye.
Official title: Kinase regulators of retinal ganglion cell survival and axon regeneration
Funded at Boston Children's Hospital · NIH-10990992 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain cells in the eye can survive and heal after injury, which could help find new treatments for vision problems like glaucoma.
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 | December 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $628,760 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY035684-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10990992 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults experiencing vision loss due to glaucoma or other optic nerve injuries.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-optic nerve related vision issues or those who are not adults may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the mechanisms that lead to the survival and regeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), which are crucial for vision. Using a model of optic nerve injury in mice, the study employs advanced techniques like CRISPR to identify specific kinases that can promote cell survival and axon regeneration. By exploring these pathways, the research aims to uncover new therapeutic targets that could lead to better treatments for conditions like glaucoma and other optic neuropathies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that restore vision by promoting the survival and regeneration of damaged nerve cells in the eye.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in targeting kinases for nerve regeneration, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements in treatment.
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
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.