Understanding how certain immune cells affect eye healing
Official title: Macrophage Determinants of Retinal Regeneration
Funded at University of Idaho · NIH-10912658 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells help zebrafish heal their eye tissue after injury, with the hope that what we learn can lead to new treatments for people with eye diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Idaho NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Moscow, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2020 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $357,664 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY030467-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10912658 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from retinal degeneration or acute retinal injuries.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with retinal conditions that are not related to degeneration or acute injury may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the roles of microglia and macrophages, which are types of immune cells, in the regeneration of retinal tissue using zebrafish as a model organism. Zebrafish have a unique ability to regenerate their retinas after injury, unlike humans. The study aims to uncover how these immune cells contribute to both the healing process and potential pathology in the retina, with the goal of developing new therapeutic strategies for retinal diseases in humans. By understanding these mechanisms, researchers hope to find ways to enhance retinal regeneration in people suffering from degenerative eye conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that promote retinal healing and regeneration in patients with eye diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding immune cell roles in tissue regeneration, but this specific approach using zebrafish is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Idaho
Moscow, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mitchell, Diana — University of Idaho
- Study coordinator: Mitchell, Diana
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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.