Reprogramming retinal cells to restore vision
Official title: Reprogramming adult murine Müller glia via L-Myc expression
Funded at Vanderbilt University · NIH-10914650 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a way to help special cells in the eye called Müller glia heal and create new nerve cells after injury or disease, using a factor called L-Myc, which could lead to new treatments for vision loss.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $34,287 |
| NIH project number | 5F31EY035554-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10914650 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing vision loss due to retinal injury or degenerative diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with retinal conditions that do not involve Müller glia or those who are not experiencing any vision impairment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how to reprogram Müller glia cells in the retina to promote regeneration after injury or disease. By using a factor called L-Myc, the study aims to stimulate these cells to re-enter the cell cycle and potentially differentiate into new retinal neurons. The approach involves using murine retinal tissue as a model to observe the effects of L-Myc on cell behavior and gene expression. If successful, this could lead to new treatments for vision loss caused by retinal damage.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel therapeutic approach to restore vision in patients with retinal damage.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of reprogramming retinal cells is innovative, similar strategies in other contexts have shown promise, suggesting potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stone, Megan — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Stone, Megan
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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.