Investigating how insulin signaling can help regenerate nerve cells in glaucoma.
Official title: Retinal Ganglion Cell Dendrite and Synapse Regeneration in Glaucoma: the Role of Insulin Signaling.
Funded at Centre Hospitalier de L'universite de Montreal (University of Montreal Hospital) · NIH-10850917 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how insulin might help repair important nerve cells in the eye that get damaged in glaucoma, with the hope that it could lead to new ways to help people keep their vision.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Centre Hospitalier de L'universite de Montreal (University of Montreal Hospital) NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Montreal, Canada) |
| Project start | June 1, 2020 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $507,148 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY030838-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10850917 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with glaucoma who are experiencing vision loss.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with glaucoma who have advanced stages of the disease with irreversible damage may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of insulin signaling in the regeneration of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) dendrites and synapses in glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness. The study aims to determine whether insulin can promote the regeneration of these critical nerve cell components after damage and restore their function. Using established animal models, including mice and non-human primates, the researchers will explore the mechanisms behind insulin's effects and its potential for clinical application in treating glaucoma. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new therapeutic strategies for preserving vision.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that restore vision in patients suffering from glaucoma.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in nerve regeneration using insulin signaling, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Centre Hospitalier de L'universite de Montreal (University of Montreal Hospital)
Montreal, Canada Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Di Polo, Adriana — Centre Hospitalier de L'universite de Montreal (University of Montreal Hospital)
- Study coordinator: Di Polo, Adriana
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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.