NIH-funded research R01 grant

New methods to understand how retinal cells process visual information

Official title: Novel experimental and machine learning - assisted techniques to assess receptive field functionality in the retina

Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11041170 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is exploring how certain cells in the mouse eye send visual information to the brain, which could help us understand vision better and lead to new treatments for people with vision problems.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Colorado Denver
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES)
Project startSeptember 1, 2023
Project endJanuary 31, 2027
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$469,367
NIH project number5R01EY035293-03
Project IDNIH-11041170 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals with retinal disorders or those interested in advancements in vision science.

Less likely to help

Patients with conditions unrelated to retinal function or those who do not have access to the research location may not receive any benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates how different types of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in the mouse retina communicate visual information to the brain. By using advanced techniques like machine learning, electrophysiology, and imaging, the study aims to uncover the specific visual features that these cells detect. The goal is to create a detailed understanding of how these cells interact and process complex visual scenes, which could lead to breakthroughs in our understanding of vision. Patients may benefit from insights gained about retinal function and potential treatments for visual impairments.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for visual disorders by enhancing our understanding of retinal cell functionality.

How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using machine learning and advanced imaging techniques to study neural circuits, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Colorado Denver
    Aurora, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Poleg-Polsky, Alon — University of Colorado Denver
  • Study coordinator: Poleg-Polsky, Alon

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.