Understanding how certain proteins affect vision development
Official title: Dissecting the role of aggrecan and perineuronal nets in visual plasticity
Funded at University of Louisville · NIH-10913638 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins in the brain help our vision develop and adapt during important growth stages, which could lead to better treatments for conditions like lazy eye.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Louisville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Louisville, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $461,687 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY035138-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10913638 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit include children and young adults with amblyopia or related visual disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with visual disorders unrelated to critical period plasticity may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of aggrecan and perineuronal nets in the visual system's ability to adapt and change during critical developmental periods. By studying animal models, the research aims to uncover how these proteins influence the closure of critical periods for visual plasticity, which is essential for treating conditions like amblyopia. The approach includes behavioral tests, electrophysiological recordings, and genetic techniques to explore the mechanisms behind visual circuit development and plasticity. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to improved therapies for visual disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment strategies for visual disorders like amblyopia, particularly in children.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding visual plasticity, but this specific approach focusing on aggrecan is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Louisville
Louisville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcgee, Aaron W — University of Louisville
- Study coordinator: Mcgee, Aaron W
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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.