Understanding how retinal cells function during degeneration
Physiology of Retinal Degeneration
This study looks at how light-sensitive cells in the eye change when they start to break down, using mice with inherited eye diseases to understand how some vision can still work even as these cells are lost, which could help in developing new treatments to improve vision.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11021719 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the physiological changes in retinal cells, particularly photoreceptors, as they undergo degeneration. By using advanced techniques like single-cell recording, the study aims to document how rod cells respond to light and maintain their function despite cell loss. The research focuses on mouse models of inherited retinal diseases to gain insights into the mechanisms that allow some visual processing to continue even as degeneration progresses. This knowledge could inform future therapies aimed at restoring vision.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with inherited retinal diseases, particularly those experiencing rod cell degeneration.
Not a fit: Patients with retinal degeneration caused by non-genetic factors may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that help preserve vision in patients with retinal degeneration.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding retinal cell function in degenerative conditions, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sampath, Alapakkam P — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Sampath, Alapakkam P
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 below.