Understanding eye movement disorders in children
Development of Oculomotor Circuits in Nystagmus
This study is looking into infantile nystagmus syndrome, which causes uncontrolled eye movements in babies and can affect their vision and social skills, to better understand how it develops and find new ways to help kids with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11001560 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates infantile nystagmus syndrome, a condition characterized by involuntary eye movements that begin in infancy and can severely impact vision and social interactions. The study aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms of this disorder by analyzing the development of oculomotor circuits in both human samples and a mouse model. Researchers will examine the abnormalities in eye muscles and the role of visual input during early life in shaping these circuits. By identifying potential therapeutic targets, the research seeks to pave the way for new treatments for affected children.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation are children aged 0-11 years diagnosed with infantile nystagmus syndrome or related visual disorders.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have infantile nystagmus syndrome or related conditions may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options for children suffering from infantile nystagmus syndrome, improving their visual and social quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific mechanisms of infantile nystagmus are not well understood, similar research approaches in understanding eye movement disorders have shown promise in identifying potential treatment pathways.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston Children's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Whitman, Mary Catherine — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Whitman, Mary Catherine
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.