Nfe2l3-driven protection and optic nerve repair for vision
Official title: Nfe2l3-regulated mechanisms of retinal ganglion cell neuroprotection and optic nerve axon regeneration
Funded at University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt · NIH-11605863 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant explores how a protein called Nfe2l3 might help retinal nerve cells repair damaged optic nerves to restore simple vision after injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Farmington, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2026 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $3,969 |
| NIH project number | 3R01EY038322-01S2 |
| Project ID | NIH-11605863 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with optic nerve injuries or diseases affecting retinal ganglion cells could benefit from future translation of this work.
✕Less likely to help
This specific project uses animal models and may not directly involve patient participation.
What this research studies
Researchers will study how the Nfe2l3 protein helps retinal ganglion cells (the nerve cells that send visual information from the eye to the brain) regrow their long projections after optic nerve injury, using animal models and modern techniques. The study aims to identify which retinal cells respond to Nfe2l3 and how this protein activates the cells’ inherent ability to regenerate. If successful, the work could lay the groundwork for a new approach to restore some visual function in optic neuropathies such as trauma, ischemia, or glaucoma.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: A potential new approach to restore basic vision after optic nerve injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work has identified neuroprotective mechanisms; this study tests a novel role for Nfe2l3 in promoting axon regeneration.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt
Farmington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Trakhtenberg, Feliks Ephraim — University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt
- Study coordinator: Trakhtenberg, Feliks Ephraim
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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.