Understanding how microglia change in the developing retina
Official title: Microglial plasticity mechanisms in the developing retina
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-11043445 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how special immune cells in the eye, called microglia, work during eye development and disease, and it aims to understand how signals from nerve cells can change what these immune cells do, which could help find new treatments for people with vision problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $494,058 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY035254-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11043445 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with retinal diseases or conditions that may lead to vision loss.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with retinal conditions unrelated to microglial function or those who do not have any retinal diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of microglia, a type of immune cell in the retina, in relation to their diverse functions during retinal development and disease. The study aims to identify the molecular mechanisms that dictate how these cells change their states, particularly focusing on the interaction between neurons and microglia through specific signaling pathways. By exploring how neuronal signals influence microglial behavior, the research seeks to uncover potential therapeutic targets for retinal diseases that could lead to improved outcomes for patients with vision impairments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for retinal diseases and blindness by enhancing our understanding of microglial functions.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding microglial roles in various neurological conditions, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Samuel, Melanie a — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Samuel, Melanie a
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Multimodal AI to improve genetic diagnosis of congenital heart disease
A new AI tool uses multiple types of patient data to help doctors find genetic causes of congenital heart disease more accurately.
-
Surveillance of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases in Children
This project watches how often common vaccines prevent illnesses in kids who are in the hospital or at the emergency department, and compares them with healthy children getting well-child care.
-
Triple gene therapy approach to heal the heart after a heart attack
A new therapy combines three genetic approaches delivered by a virus to help the heart heal after a heart attack.
-
Thalamic sleep circuit changes in Alzheimer's disease
Aims to understand how sleep-related brain activity in a key sleep regulator called the TRN affects Alzheimer’s progression and whether boosting TRN function could slow symptoms.
-
Cardiomyocyte-fibroblast signaling in atrial fibrillation
A researcher at Baylor College of Medicine is studying how signals between heart muscle cells and supportive heart cells influence atrial fibrillation, with the goal of finding new ways to prevent or treat this common heart rhythm problem.
-
UMPIRE: Keeping Kidneys Healthy for Babies with Spina Bifida
A care protocol for newborns with spina bifida aims to protect kidney function by thoughtful bladder management and monitoring from birth.
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.