Understanding how photoreceptors assemble in the eye
Official title: Mechanisms of photoreceptor outer segment assembly
Funded at Upstate Medical University · NIH-11013877 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a key protein for vision, called rhodopsin, gets into the cells in the retina that help us see, using special imaging techniques in mice to understand how different cell structures affect this process, which could help us learn more about eye diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Upstate Medical University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Syracuse, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $571,462 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY035899-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11013877 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with retinal degenerative diseases or those at risk of developing such conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-retinal related vision issues or those without any retinal degeneration may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the delivery and loading mechanisms of rhodopsin, a crucial protein for vision, into photoreceptor cells in the retina. Using advanced live-cell imaging techniques, the study aims to observe the dynamics of rhodopsin within photoreceptor compartments in real time. By utilizing a specific mouse model, researchers will explore how variations in membrane complexity affect rhodopsin transport and assembly, which is vital for maintaining vision. This work addresses significant knowledge gaps in retinal biology that could lead to new insights into degenerative retinal diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for blindness caused by degenerative retinal diseases.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of using live-cell 3D imaging is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in understanding cellular mechanisms in other contexts.
Where this research is happening
-
Upstate Medical University
Syracuse, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Calvert, Peter Deane — Upstate Medical University
- Study coordinator: Calvert, Peter Deane
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.