Regrowing the eye's nerve cells that carry vision signals
Development and Regeneration of Retinal Ganglion Cells in the Vertebrate Retina
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · BATES COLLEGE · NIH-11167846
This project explores ways to regrow the retinal nerve cells that send visual signals to the brain to help people with glaucoma or optic nerve injuries.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | BATES COLLEGE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LEWISTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11167846 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, researchers are studying how retinal ganglion cells — the neurons that link the eye to the brain — develop and whether they can be regenerated. The team uses mouse models with a specific gene turned off in ganglion cells and also tries overexpressing key genes in retinal progenitor cells inside the eye. They will screen a list of candidate transcription factors by forcing them on in the retina to see if normal retinal cells can be reprogrammed to become new ganglion cells. The goal is to find biological switches that could one day be turned into therapies to replace lost vision-related neurons.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Eventually, patients with vision loss from glaucoma or damage to the optic nerve would be the most likely candidates for treatments based on this research.
Not a fit: People whose vision loss is caused by damage in the brain (rather than the retina) or by non-neuronal eye disorders may not benefit from these approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to therapies that restore vision by regenerating the retinal ganglion cells lost in glaucoma or optic nerve injury.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal research has shown some promise for reprogramming retinal cells into neurons, but turning those findings into safe, effective human treatments remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
LEWISTON, UNITED STATES
- BATES COLLEGE — LEWISTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: WOODWORTH, MOLLIE BURGOON — BATES COLLEGE
- Study coordinator: WOODWORTH, MOLLIE BURGOON
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 below.