Understanding how gene regulation affects eye development
Official title: Wiring and rewiring of the chromatin landscape during retinogenesis
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11169874 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how genes and other factors help shape the retina, which is important for vision, and it's aimed at understanding conditions like anophthalmia and microphthalmia to find better ways to diagnose and treat these eye problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $413,741 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY035619-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11169874 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who are affected by congenital eye disorders such as anophthalmia or microphthalmia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acquired eye conditions or those outside the age range of 0-11 years may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the critical processes involved in the development of the retina, particularly focusing on how genetic and epigenetic factors influence retinal progenitor cells. By using advanced genomic technologies and mouse models, the researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms that lead to ocular disorders such as anophthalmia and microphthalmia. The study will explore how transcription factors and chromatin structure interact to regulate gene expression during retinal differentiation. Ultimately, the findings could provide insights into potential diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for congenital vision disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved methods for diagnosing and treating congenital eye disorders in children.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding gene regulation in other developmental disorders, suggesting potential for success in this area as well.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Al Diri, Issam — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Al Diri, Issam
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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.