Reprogramming retinal cells to restore vision
Official title: AAV-mediated Müller glia reprogramming to early-stage retinal progenitor cells
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10886487 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how to change certain cells in the eye to help them act like young cells that can create new vision cells, with the hope of finding a new way to treat blindness caused by damage to the retina.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F31EY034774-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10886487 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults suffering from retinal degenerative conditions, such as age-related macular degeneration or familial juvenile macular degeneration syndrome.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-retinal related vision issues or those whose conditions do not involve Müller glia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how Müller glia, a type of retinal cell, can be reprogrammed to behave like early-stage retinal progenitor cells, which are capable of generating new retinal neurons. The approach involves using an AAV-based vector to modify the gene expression in these cells, aiming to enhance their ability to regenerate lost retinal cells, particularly cone photoreceptors. By understanding the molecular mechanisms that control cell differentiation, the research seeks to develop a novel therapeutic strategy for treating blindness caused by retinal damage.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for restoring vision in patients with retinal degenerative diseases.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of reprogramming retinal cells is innovative, similar strategies in other models have shown promise, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pannullo, Nicole — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Pannullo, Nicole
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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.