Understanding how retinal cells can regenerate after damage
Official title: Characterization of the nascent retinal proteome regulating Hippo signaling during damage
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-10979311 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how certain signals in the eye can help special cells called Müller glial cells grow back and repair vision after injury, using zebrafish as a model, with the hope of finding new ways to help people with eye conditions like age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $240,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R21EY035812-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10979311 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing vision loss due to age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, or other retinal injuries.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with retinal conditions that do not involve Müller glial cell dysfunction or those who are not experiencing active retinal degeneration may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind retinal cell regeneration, particularly focusing on the Hippo signaling pathway that influences the ability of Müller glial cells to proliferate and potentially restore vision after injury. By studying the regenerative capabilities of zebrafish, which can naturally regenerate retinal neurons, the research aims to identify ways to enhance similar processes in mammalian retinal cells. The approach involves manipulating specific signaling pathways to promote cell cycle re-entry and regeneration in response to retinal damage, which could lead to new therapeutic strategies for conditions like age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that restore vision in patients suffering from retinal degenerative diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in regenerative approaches using similar signaling pathway manipulations, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Poche, Ross Anthony — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Poche, Ross Anthony
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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.