Investigating how nicotine affects brain cells to improve vision recovery after injury.
Official title: Nicotinic modulation of deep layer somatostatin interneurons for visual critical period plasticity
Funded at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-11073636 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells react to nicotine during important times for vision development, with the goal of finding new ways to help people recover their sight after issues like amblyopia or brain injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $562,660 |
| NIH project number | 1R01EY037134-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11073636 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals aged 21 and older who have experienced brain injuries or have conditions like amblyopia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with visual impairments not related to brain injury or those outside the age range may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how specific brain cells, particularly somatostatin interneurons, respond to nicotine during critical periods of visual development. By examining the effects of nicotinic modulation on these cells, the study aims to identify new ways to enhance brain plasticity, which is crucial for recovery from conditions like amblyopia and brain injuries. The researchers will use a model of visual deprivation to test how enhancing nicotinic signaling can promote recovery and improve visual function. This approach could lead to innovative treatments for individuals with visual impairments resulting from brain trauma.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that enhance visual recovery in patients with brain injuries or developmental disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using neuromodulatory approaches to enhance brain plasticity, suggesting that this study builds on established findings.
Where this research is happening
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Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Morishita, Hirofumi — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Morishita, Hirofumi
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.