Understanding how light-sensitive cells in the retina develop and differ among primates
Official title: Comparative analysis of photoreceptor developmental mechanisms in retinal organoids
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11037919 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how special cells in the eye that help us see develop in humans and marmosets, hoping to learn more about what causes different types of these cells and how problems with them can lead to blindness, which could help in finding new treatments for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $103,530 |
| NIH project number | 5K99EY035756-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11037919 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for age-related macular degeneration or other retinal diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with retinal conditions unrelated to photoreceptor development may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the developmental mechanisms of photoreceptors, the cells in the retina responsible for vision, using retinal organoids. By comparing how these cells develop in humans and marmosets, the study aims to uncover the factors that influence the diversity of photoreceptor types. The research focuses on the role of signaling molecules like retinoic acid and thyroid hormone in determining the fate of these cells. Patients may benefit from insights into how misdevelopment of these cells can lead to blindness, potentially informing future treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating vision loss associated with retinal diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding retinal development, but this comparative approach is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hagen, Joanna Frances Donnelly — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Hagen, Joanna Frances Donnelly
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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.