Stimulating retinal regrowth
Stimulation of Retinal Regeneration
Using gene switches in retinal support cells to encourage regrowth of neurons for people with vision loss from glaucoma or age-related macular degeneration.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11374792 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers aim to reprogram the retina's support cells (Müller glia) by turning on combinations of transcription factor genes so they produce new retinal neurons. They draw on how fish and amphibians naturally regenerate retinal cells and on prior work showing that the gene Ascl1 can induce neuron regeneration in mice. The team will test different transcription factor mixes in animal models and lab-grown retinal tissue to find combinations that make the correct neuron types in the right numbers. They will also check whether regenerated cells connect with existing retinal circuits and restore visual function in preclinical models.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with vision loss caused by retinal neuron degeneration, such as from glaucoma or age-related macular degeneration, would be the main future candidates for related treatments.
Not a fit: People whose vision loss is due to non-neuronal problems, widespread retinal scarring, or complete destruction of the retina are unlikely to benefit from neuron-regeneration approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could replace lost retinal neurons and potentially improve or restore vision for people with degenerative retinal diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies showed that expressing Ascl1 in mouse Müller glia can regenerate functional neurons, but moving this strategy safely and effectively to humans is still early and unproven.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Reh, Thomas a — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Reh, Thomas a
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.