Understanding Genes for Eye Development
Official title: Patterning Genes in Retinal Development
Funded at University of Idaho · NIH-11097332 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project explores how genes guide the development of different cells in the eye's retina, especially those responsible for color vision.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Idaho NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Moscow, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 1998 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $526,253 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY012146-22 |
| Project ID | NIH-11097332 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with inherited color blindness, X-linked retinal degenerations, Bornholm Eye Disease, age-related macular degeneration, or Stargardt's disease could potentially benefit from future therapies developed from this foundational work.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose eye conditions are not related to cone cell development or the specific genetic pathways being explored in this basic science project may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
Our eyes rely on specialized cells called cones to see color and fine details. This work looks at the genetic instructions and signals that tell these cone cells how to form correctly. We are particularly interested in genes on the X chromosome that help us see different colors. By understanding these genetic controls, we hope to learn more about conditions like color blindness and certain inherited eye diseases. This knowledge could also help develop new ways to replace lost cone cells in conditions like macular degeneration.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments for inherited color vision problems, X-linked retinal diseases, and potentially regenerative therapies for conditions like age-related macular degeneration.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach to manipulating cone visual pigment gene expression is novel, foundational work on retinal development and genetic regulation has shown promise in other areas of vision science.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Idaho
Moscow, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stenkamp, Deborah L — University of Idaho
- Study coordinator: Stenkamp, Deborah L
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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.