Understanding how calcium in neurons affects vision in fruit flies
Official title: Linking endoplasmic reticulum calcium handling to neuronal function in vivo in the Drosophila visual system
Funded at Columbia Univ New York Morningside · NIH-11002649 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how calcium in nerve cells helps them communicate when we see things, using fruit flies to learn more about how our vision works and what might go wrong in certain eye diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia Univ New York Morningside NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | December 16, 2023 |
| Project end | March 14, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $42,574 |
| NIH project number | 5F31EY035165-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11002649 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals interested in the biological mechanisms of vision and those affected by neurodegenerative conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to calcium signaling or visual processing may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of calcium handling in neurons, specifically focusing on the endoplasmic reticulum's influence on neurotransmission in the visual system of fruit flies. Using advanced 2-photon microscopy, the study aims to observe how calcium signals in different parts of the neuron respond to visual stimuli. By examining these signals, researchers hope to uncover the mechanisms that govern neuronal communication and how they relate to motion vision circuits. The findings could provide insights into the cellular processes that underlie vision and potentially neurodegenerative diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of neuronal function and lead to new strategies for treating vision-related disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of linking ER calcium handling to neuronal function in vivo is novel, similar studies have shown promising results in understanding neuronal signaling.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia Univ New York Morningside
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Delgado, Katherine Coffin — Columbia Univ New York Morningside
- Study coordinator: Delgado, Katherine Coffin
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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.