Understanding how new cell types in the human retina process visual information
Official title: Diverse visual processing properties of novel ganglion cell and amacrine cell types in the human retina
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11042872 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how special cells in the eye help us see, using both human and monkey eye tissue to learn more about how our vision works.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $365,087 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY033870-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11042872 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with visual impairments or those interested in the biological mechanisms of vision.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no retinal issues or those who are not interested in vision-related research may not benefit from this study.
What this research studies
This research investigates the unique visual processing capabilities of newly discovered cell types in the human retina, specifically focusing on retinal ganglion cells and polyaxonal amacrine cells. By utilizing advanced recording techniques and machine learning, the team aims to analyze how these cells contribute to vision. The study will involve both human retinal tissue and data from macaque monkeys, allowing for a comparative analysis of visual processing in these species. The ultimate goal is to enhance our understanding of how the retina functions in natural vision.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for visual impairments and blindness by providing insights into retinal function.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding retinal cell types and their functions, but this study aims to explore novel aspects that have not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chichilnisky, Eduardo — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Chichilnisky, Eduardo
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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.