Understanding how retinal cells ingest outer segment tips
Official title: Outer Segment tip ingestion by the RPE
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11050981 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how certain eye cells called retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells help keep our vision healthy by cleaning up parts of other eye cells, and it uses special imaging techniques to better understand how this process works.
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 start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $475,442 |
| NIH project number | 1R01EY036104-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11050981 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with retinal disorders or those at risk for retinal degeneration.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-retinal related conditions or those without any retinal health issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the process by which retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells ingest and degrade the outer segment tips of photoreceptor cells, which is crucial for maintaining the health of these cells. Using advanced high-speed live-cell imaging and 3D analysis, the study examines the molecular mechanisms involved in this ingestion process, particularly focusing on the role of actin filaments. The research aims to quantify the timing of this ingestion and challenge existing assumptions about how it occurs, potentially leading to new insights into retinal health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could improve our understanding of retinal diseases and lead to new therapeutic strategies for conditions affecting vision.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cellular ingestion processes, but this specific approach is novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Williams, David S — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Williams, David S
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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.