Retinal signals in early diabetes and how they affect vision
Official title: Retinal neuronal signaling in early diabetes
Funded at University of Arizona · NIH-11641965 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant looks at how diabetes changes the signals in the retina that control vision, with a focus on inner retinal cells and how these changes may lead to vision problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2015 |
| Project end | September 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,005,703 |
| NIH project number | 2R56EY026027-10 |
| Project ID | NIH-11641965 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with diabetes who are at risk for or beginning to experience diabetic retinopathy and are willing to participate in future translational investigations or related studies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without diabetes or with advanced retinal disease not related to diabetes may have limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
In people with diabetes, early vision issues are linked to how retinal neurons communicate. The project studies inner retinal cells in a mouse model to understand how diabetes alters signaling and structure in bipolar, ganglion, and amacrine cells. It will examine calcium and dopamine pathways and how these changes relate to light-evoked vision loss. The researchers aim to identify potential targets to prevent or slow neuronal vision problems in diabetic retinopathy. The work builds on prior findings of altered cell responses and seeks to map differences among ganglion cell types to refine future interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could reveal new targets to protect retinal neurons and preserve vision in people with diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown diabetes can alter retinal signaling in mice, suggesting this approach could identify actionable mechanisms in humans.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Arizona
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Eggers, Erika D. — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Eggers, Erika D.
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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.