Understanding how nerve injury affects retinal cells
Official title: Retinal Circuitry Response to Nerve Injury
Funded at Yale University · NIH-10937071 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different types of nerve cells in the eye respond when they get injured, with the goal of finding ways to help these cells survive and heal, which could lead to new treatments for people experiencing vision loss from nerve damage.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | September 7, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F31EY034776-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10937071 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing vision loss due to optic nerve injuries or related conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with vision loss not related to nerve injury or those with irreversible retinal damage may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the response of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) to nerve injury, specifically focusing on how different types of RGCs survive or die following an optic nerve crush. By examining the electrical activity and cellular mechanisms involved, the study aims to identify ways to promote the survival and regeneration of these crucial cells, which are essential for vision. The approach includes using a surgical model to simulate nerve injury and analyzing the resulting changes in cellular behavior and signaling pathways. Patients may benefit from insights gained that could lead to new treatments for vision loss due to nerve damage.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that restore vision by promoting the survival and regeneration of retinal cells after injury.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding retinal cell responses to injury, but this specific approach to enhancing RGC survival and regeneration is still being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zapadka, Thomas Eugene — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Zapadka, Thomas Eugene
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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.