Understanding how starburst amacrine cells in the retina detect motion
Official title: Dynamic interactions between synaptic and intrinsic properties of starburst amacrine cells for robust motion detection
Funded at University of Chicago · NIH-11041180 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how special cells in the eye help us see motion, and it aims to find out how they work so we can improve treatments for vision problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $517,781 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY035268-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11041180 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing vision disorders related to motion detection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable vision and no issues related to motion perception may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the dynamic interactions between the synaptic inputs and intrinsic properties of starburst amacrine cells (SACs) in the retina, which are crucial for detecting motion. By using advanced techniques like patch clamp recording and two-photon imaging, the study aims to uncover how these cells process visual information to achieve direction selectivity. Patients may benefit from insights gained about visual processing, which could lead to improved treatments for vision-related disorders. The research will involve observing the behavior of these cells during visual stimulation to understand their computational mechanisms better.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of visual processing and lead to new therapies for vision impairments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding dendritic function, but this approach aims to provide novel insights into the dynamic processing of visual information.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wei, Wei — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Wei, Wei
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.