Understanding how cell membranes affect eye health and disease
Official title: Membrane compartmentalization in photoreceptor health and disease
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-11076663 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins move around in the eye's light-sensing cells, which is important for vision, especially for people with inherited eye disorders that can cause vision loss, to help find new ways to treat these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $538,576 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY036086-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11076663 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with inherited retinal degenerative disorders, particularly those diagnosed with retinal ciliopathies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with retinal conditions not related to ciliopathies or those with acquired vision loss may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of membrane compartmentalization in photoreceptor cells, which are crucial for vision. It focuses on retinal ciliopathies, inherited disorders that lead to retinal degeneration, by examining how proteins are trafficked within these cells. Using advanced microscopy and biochemical techniques, the researchers aim to identify the mechanisms that regulate the localization of rhodopsin, a key protein in photoreceptors, and how disruptions in this process can lead to disease. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new treatments for vision loss associated with these conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for preventing or treating blindness caused by retinal ciliopathies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding protein trafficking in photoreceptors, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Imanishi, Yoshikazu — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Imanishi, Yoshikazu
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.