Patterning genes that shape color vision in the retina
Official title: Patterning Genes in Retinal Development
Funded at University of Idaho · NIH-11370618 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers study how the retina develops specific color-sensing cells, with potential implications for preserving or restoring cone function in people affected by color vision problems and retinal diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Idaho NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Moscow, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 1998 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $527,940 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY012146-23 |
| Project ID | NIH-11370618 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with color vision disorders or retinal diseases who may benefit from cone-based therapies could be eligible for future translational efforts.
✕Less likely to help
The study is basic research and may not directly benefit a particular patient in the short term.
What this research studies
This project looks at the cellular and molecular steps that create different cone cells in the human retina, using 3-D approaches and ATAC-seq to understand gene regulation. It focuses on hormonal signals and how gene elements control which color-detecting pigments are produced, aiming to inform future therapies for cone-related conditions. The work could guide regenerative strategies to generate cone cells in the right proportions for better color vision and potential treatments for age-related retinal diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could pave the way for therapies that preserve or restore cone cells and color vision in retinal diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that understanding gene regulation can inform regenerative strategies for cone cells, but translating this to human therapies remains a work in progress.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Idaho
Moscow, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stenkamp, Deborah L — University of Idaho
- Study coordinator: Stenkamp, Deborah L
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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.