Understanding how cells connect in the eye to form vision circuits
Mechanisms of Cell Adhesion Molecule Function in Retinal Development
This research explores how special molecules help nerve cells in the eye connect properly, which is vital for clear vision and brain health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wayne State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Detroit, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11123298 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our eyes contain many types of nerve cells that must connect in very specific ways to create the circuits that allow us to see. These connections are guided by 'cell adhesion molecules' (CAMs), and when these molecules don't work correctly, it can lead to brain development issues like dyslexia or schizophrenia. This project uses a mouse model of the retina, which is part of the central nervous system, to understand how a specific group of CAMs, called gamma-protocadherins, ensure nerve cells survive and connect correctly. By using advanced genetic tools, we aim to discover how these molecules contribute to forming healthy vision circuits.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with neurodevelopmental disorders, including those affecting vision or brain function, may find this basic science research relevant to their conditions.
Not a fit: Patients not interested in the fundamental biological mechanisms of neural circuit formation may not find direct benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could provide a fundamental understanding of how brain circuits form, potentially leading to new ways to address neurodevelopmental disorders linked to faulty cell connections.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach using an unbiased allelic series of gamma-protocadherin mouse mutants is novel, the broader field of cell adhesion molecules in neural development has shown their critical roles in various organisms.
Where this research is happening
Detroit, United States
- Wayne State University — Detroit, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Garrett, Andrew — Wayne State University
- Study coordinator: Garrett, Andrew
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.