Understanding how color vision circuits are formed in the brain
Official title: Molecular control of stochastic color vision circuit assembly
Funded at New York University · NIH-10785531 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the brain puts together the circuits that help us see colors, using fruit flies to understand how different types of brain cells are formed and connected, which could help us learn more about vision.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $154,332 |
| NIH project number | 1K99EY035757-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10785531 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a keen interest in neurological conditions or those affected by vision-related disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to neuronal development or color vision may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind the assembly of color vision circuits in the brain, specifically focusing on how different types of neurons are specified and connected. Using the fruit fly as a model organism, the project aims to explore the differences between stochastic and deterministic modes of neuronal specification. The researchers will employ advanced techniques such as electron microscopy to analyze the connections between color photoreceptors and their synaptic partners. By generating specific genetic tools, they will gain insights into the developmental processes that shape these circuits.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of neuronal development and connectivity, potentially leading to new treatments for degenerative neurological disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of this research is novel, similar studies have shown success in understanding neuronal connectivity and development in other model organisms.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Yu-Chieh — New York University
- Study coordinator: Chen, Yu-Chieh
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Adolescent girls in Uganda: a long-term look at how money empowerment and family support affect HIV prevention, care, and mental health
A long-term study in rural Uganda will test whether an intervention that combines economic empowerment and family strengthening can help HIV-negative and HIV-affected adolescent girls move safely into young adulthood.
-
Long-term HIV prevention and mental health support for adolescent girls and young women in Uganda
A long-term program in rural Uganda tests if combining economic support and family strengthening helps teenage girls stay HIV-free and improve mental health as they grow into young adults.
-
SNEngage: How Social Networks and Supports Shape Mental Health Care for Black and Latino Individuals with Serious Mental Illness
A long-term study following Black and Latino individuals with serious mental illness to learn how their social networks affect engagement with mental health services and overall well-being.
-
Endosomal signaling and cancer pain control in oral cancer
A study to understand how signals inside nerve cells and supportive cells contribute to pain in people with oral cancer.
-
Accelerating hydroxyurea use for sickle cell disease in Nigeria
A pragmatic study in Nigeria aims to help doctors use hydroxyurea more consistently for people with sickle cell disease.
-
Preventing youth violence by better delivering proven programs to middle schools
A large study in middle schools will test practical ways to help teachers implement a well-known social-emotional learning program so it reaches students as intended.
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.