Understanding how to help the retina heal itself
Official title: Epigenetic Regulation of Retinal Regeneration
Funded at University of Texas at Austin · NIH-11001583 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain cells in the eye can help heal damaged retina tissue, using zebrafish as a model since they can fully regenerate their retinas, and the goal is to find ways to apply this knowledge to develop new treatments for people with retinal diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas at Austin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Austin, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $397,678 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY035888-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11001583 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from degenerative retinal diseases or those at risk of retinal damage.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-degenerative eye conditions or those without retinal damage may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind retinal regeneration, particularly focusing on how certain cells in the retina, called Müller glia, can be stimulated to regenerate damaged retinal tissue. By studying zebrafish, which can fully regenerate their retinas, researchers aim to uncover the molecular processes that allow this regeneration to occur. The study will explore the role of specific genes and epigenetic changes that could potentially be manipulated to enhance regenerative responses in mammals, including humans. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new treatments for degenerative retinal diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative therapies that restore vision in patients with retinal damage.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in using similar approaches to stimulate retinal regeneration in animal models, indicating potential for success in human applications.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gross, Jeffrey — University of Texas at Austin
- Study coordinator: Gross, Jeffrey
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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.