Regeneration of light-sensing cells in a zebrafish model of blindness.
Official title: Rod photoreceptor regeneration in a zebrafish model of Retinitis Pigmentosa.
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-11010328 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how zebrafish can naturally heal their eye cells to help find new ways to restore vision for people with Retinitis Pigmentosa, a condition that causes blindness.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | January 16, 2023 |
| Project end | January 15, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $36,961 |
| NIH project number | 5F31EY034793-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11010328 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa, particularly those experiencing early stages of vision loss.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of retinal degeneration that do not involve rod photoreceptor loss may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how zebrafish can regenerate photoreceptor cells, which are crucial for vision, in the context of Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), a condition that leads to blindness. By studying the unique regenerative abilities of zebrafish, the research aims to uncover the cellular mechanisms and genetic factors that enable these fish to replace lost retinal cells. The approach involves analyzing how specific genes and pathways interact to promote the regeneration of rod photoreceptors, which are often damaged in patients with RP. This could lead to new therapeutic strategies for restoring vision in individuals affected by this condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that restore vision for patients suffering from Retinitis Pigmentosa.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in using zebrafish models for understanding retinal regeneration, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shihabeddin, Eyad — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Shihabeddin, Eyad
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Inflammation in MERTK-related retinitis pigmentosa
This project aims to understand whether losing the MERTK gene causes retinal inflammation that leads to vision loss in people with MERTK-related retinitis pigmentosa.
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Enhancing cone survival in RP through targeted cell-specific CRISPR therapy
A patient-friendly look at a new approach to protect cone cells in retinitis pigmentosa using precise gene editing to support vision.
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Oral, once-daily MC16 medicine for retinitis pigmentosa
A gene-mutation-agnostic pill (MC16) is being studied to help people with retinitis pigmentosa by addressing a common cellular problem in the eye.
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Role of IPM Proteoglycans in Retinal Health and Inherited Blindness
This grant studies how specific retinal extracellular matrix proteins (IMPG1 and IMPG2) affect eye health and contribute to retinitis pigmentosa, with potential implications for people who have or are at risk for inherited blindness.
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NAC Attack: a late-stage trial for preserving vision in RP patients
A large, multi-site study is testing whether taking a daily NAC pill can help people with retinitis pigmentosa keep more of their vision.
-
Non-invasive biomarker for mitochondria health in retinitis pigmentosa
Aims to test a new, non-invasive OCT-based biomarker to explain and predict how mitochondria function affects cone cells in people with retinitis pigmentosa.
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.