Investigating how DNA changes affect eye cell development and diseases
Official title: The role of the TET-dependent DNA demethylation pathway in photoreceptor development and pathology
Funded at University of Miami School of Medicine · NIH-10898033 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in DNA can affect the development of light-sensing cells in the eye, which is important for vision, and it aims to find new ways to help people with vision loss from conditions like retinitis pigmentosa.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $377,504 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY035235-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10898033 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with retinitis pigmentosa or related inherited photoreceptor dystrophies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with vision loss due to non-genetic causes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of DNA demethylation in the development of photoreceptors, which are crucial for vision. By analyzing DNA from human and mouse retinas, the researchers aim to uncover how changes in DNA methylation can lead to conditions like retinitis pigmentosa, a disease that causes progressive vision loss. The study involves examining how the methylation of specific genes affects their expression during the differentiation of retinal progenitor cells into photoreceptors. This could provide insights into new therapeutic approaches for treating blindness caused by genetic mutations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for retinitis pigmentosa and related vision disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of DNA methylation in various diseases, suggesting potential for success in this area as well.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Miami School of Medicine
Coral Gables, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ivanov, Dmitry V — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Ivanov, Dmitry V
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Decoding how GAA repeats in FGF14 cause SCA27B
This project looks at why a specific DNA repeat in the FGF14 gene leads to Spinocerebellar Ataxia 27B in adults.
-
Breathing therapy to help clear brain toxins in older adults who sleep poorly
A small study will test a breathing-based therapy to boost brain toxin clearance in older adults with poor sleep patterns related to Alzheimer’s risk.
-
New retinal imaging to detect brain small vessel disease
A fast, wide-field eye imaging method will measure how tiny retinal blood vessels rhythmically flow to help detect early brain small vessel disease.
-
Understanding the Genetics Behind IBD in South Florida
This grant looks at how genes and the environment come together to influence inflammatory bowel disease in people living in South Florida.
-
MorpHiC Data Resource and Coordinating Center
A national effort to build and share a comprehensive, high-quality catalogue of how human genes affect cell function when they’re turned off, using human cellular models.
-
MorPhiC data hub for gene function in human cells
A data resource and coordinating center will organize and share information about how human genes affect cellular traits when knocked out, helping researchers understand gene functions.
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.