Understanding how light-sensitive cells in the eye affect brain functions
Official title: Neurophysiology of Melanopsin Photoreceptors
Funded at Boston Children's Hospital · NIH-10940094 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at special cells in your eyes that help control things like sleep and mood by responding to light, and it's for anyone interested in how these cells work and affect our daily lives.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $592,457 |
| NIH project number | 1R01EY036430-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10940094 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing sleep disorders, mood disorders, or other conditions influenced by circadian rhythms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no visual function or those not affected by circadian rhythm disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) in the eye, which use a molecule called melanopsin to respond to light. By studying these cells, the research aims to uncover how they influence various brain functions, including the regulation of sleep, mood, and circadian rhythms. The team will utilize advanced techniques like patch-clamp electrophysiology to analyze the electrical responses of these cells in a controlled laboratory setting. The findings could enhance our understanding of how specific types of cells are adapted for their roles in the body.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for conditions related to circadian rhythm disruptions, mood disorders, and sleep issues.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of ipRGCs in regulating circadian rhythms and mood, suggesting that this approach has potential for significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston Children's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Do, Michael Tri Hoang — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Do, Michael Tri Hoang
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Targeting the brain’s fluid system to treat post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus
This grant explores a new approach to treating post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus by studying how the brain’s fluid system and immune cells manage CSF after a brain bleed.
-
National Spina Bifida Patient Registry at Boston Children’s Hospital
A patient-focused registry project at Boston Children’s Hospital will collect and study information from people with spina bifida to improve care and outcomes.
-
Severe Chronic Neutropenia Registry for Patients
A patient-facing registry that tracks severe chronic low neutrophil counts to improve understanding and care for people with this condition.
-
Severe Chronic Neutropenia Registry to Improve Care
A patient-focused registry gathers information from adults with severe chronic neutropenia to better understand infections, treatments, and outcomes over time.
-
Severe Chronic Neutropenia Registry: Finding Better Ways to Prevent Infections
A patient-focused registry at a leading hospital helps people with severe chronic neutropenia learn how the condition progresses and how treatments work over time.
-
Exploring epilepsy genes in zebrafish to understand human brain seizures
A study in zebrafish will model human epilepsy genes to help explain how certain brain mutations contribute to seizures.
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.