Understanding how insect retinas evolve to create different types of nerve cells
Official title: EDGE CMT: Neural cell type evolution in insect retinas
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-10934656 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how insects develop different types of nerve cells in their eyes, using their unique vision needs as a guide, to understand how a small number of genes can create so many variations, which could help us learn more about how species adapt to their surroundings.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $328,117 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HG013634-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10934656 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would be individuals interested in genetic and developmental biology, particularly those with a focus on neural conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to genetic or neural development may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the genetic mechanisms that lead to the evolution of diverse neural cell types in insect retinas. By using insects as a model, the study aims to uncover how a limited number of genes can produce a wide variety of cell types, particularly in the context of their unique visual systems. The researchers will analyze the genetic changes that have occurred over time, focusing on how these changes have allowed different species to adapt their vision to their environments. This work may involve advanced techniques such as CRISPR to manipulate genes and observe the resulting effects on cell type development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of neural development and potentially inform treatments for visual impairments in humans.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in using genetic models to understand neural development, making this approach promising yet still innovative in its specific focus on insect retinas.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Perry, Michael William — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Perry, Michael William
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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.