Understanding how certain fish retinas adapt to different light conditions
Official title: Structural and molecular determinants of duplex functionality in a pure-rod retina
Funded at San Francisco State University · NIH-10643883 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the Little skate fish can see well in both dim and bright light by exploring the special features of their unique retinas, which might help us find new ways to improve vision for people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | San Francisco State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | September 21, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $155,000 |
| NIH project number | 5SC2GM144198-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10643883 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing retinal degeneration or vision loss due to photoreceptor cell damage.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with retinal conditions unrelated to photoreceptor loss may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the unique properties of the pure-rod retina in the Little skate fish, which can function effectively in both low and bright light. By examining the structural and molecular characteristics of these retinas, the study aims to uncover how these fish adapt their photoreceptors to maintain visual function despite the loss of certain cells. The approach includes analyzing the genetic and morphological features that allow these adaptations, potentially providing insights into improving vision restoration techniques for humans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for restoring vision in patients with retinal degeneration.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been studies on retinal adaptations, this specific approach focusing on the pure-rod retina of the Little skate is relatively novel and untested in the context of human vision restoration.
Where this research is happening
-
San Francisco State University
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Anastassov, Ivan — San Francisco State University
- Study coordinator: Anastassov, Ivan
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
How brain immune cells shape connections linked to autism and epilepsy
This project watches how brain immune cells called microglia interact with and remove synapses during development to understand links to autism and epilepsy.
-
How RNase E in a soil bacterium helps plants host symbiosis
Scientists are studying how a bacterial enzyme packages its RNA inside tiny granules to help a soil bacterium warmly colonize plant roots.
-
Targeting the bacterial thymidylate synthase enzyme to fight infections
A new approach aims to block a bacterial enzyme needed to make DNA, potentially stopping infections like tuberculosis and C. difficile with fewer side effects for people.
-
How Money Troubles Shape Teens’ Substance Use
This grant studies how financial stress in families relates to teens using alcohol, cannabis, and other substances, to help families and clinicians understand risk.
-
Moon and Sun Brothers: HIV prevention groups for Hispanic men
This program offers group sessions using civic participation and peer support to help Hispanic men, including those not exclusively heterosexual, lower behaviors that raise their HIV risk.
-
Anti-racist nature-based healing to slow cellular aging in young BIPOC adults
This project looks at whether community-led, culturally grounded nature healing programs can reduce stress and protect cellular markers of aging in transitional-age BIPOC adults.
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.