Understanding how certain cells in the retina create wave activity before vision develops
Official title: Pacemakers of Cholinergic Wave Activity in the Developing Retina
Funded at Oakland University · NIH-10653330 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at special cells in the eye called starburst amacrine cells to understand how they help create activity in the retina before we can see, which could lead to new ways to treat eye conditions in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oakland University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $429,016 |
| NIH project number | 1R15EY034305-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10653330 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions affecting retinal development or function, particularly those related to early visual processing.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with fully developed retinas or those not experiencing any retinal disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of specific retinal cells, known as starburst amacrine cells, in generating spontaneous wave activity in the retina prior to the onset of vision. By examining how these cells initiate and propagate cholinergic waves, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms that are crucial for the development of retinal structures and functions. The researchers will utilize advanced techniques to identify these pacemaker cells and analyze their calcium-dependent activity, which is essential for wave generation. This work could provide insights into the foundational processes of retinal development and potentially inform future therapeutic strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of retinal development and lead to new treatments for vision-related disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific mechanisms of cholinergic wave activity in the retina are not extensively studied, preliminary findings suggest that similar approaches have shown promise in understanding retinal development.
Where this research is happening
-
Oakland University
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Dao-Qi — Oakland University
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Dao-Qi
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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.