Understanding how to regenerate retinal cells to improve vision
Official title: Development and Regeneration of Retinal Ganglion Cells in the Vertebrate Retina
Funded at Bates College · NIH-10927452 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how to help the eye's nerve cells grow back and heal, which could lead to new treatments for vision loss from conditions like glaucoma or optic nerve injuries, and it's being tested in mice to see if we can encourage these cells to regenerate.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Bates College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lewiston, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2020 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $248,758 |
| NIH project number | 5R00EY031403-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10927452 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing vision loss due to retinal ganglion cell damage, such as those with glaucoma or optic nerve injuries.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with vision loss due to conditions unrelated to retinal ganglion cell damage may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the development and regeneration of retinal ganglion cells, which are crucial for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain. The study aims to explore the role of specific transcription factors in the growth and repair of these cells, particularly in conditions that lead to vision loss, such as glaucoma and optic nerve injuries. By using mouse models, researchers will manipulate gene expression to see if they can stimulate the production of new retinal ganglion cells from existing retinal cells. This approach could pave the way for new treatments for blindness caused by retinal damage.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative therapies that restore vision in individuals suffering from retinal damage.
How similar studies have gone: While the regeneration of retinal cells is a challenging area, previous studies have shown promising results in animal models, indicating potential for success in similar approaches.
Where this research is happening
-
Bates College
Lewiston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Woodworth, Mollie Burgoon — Bates College
- Study coordinator: Woodworth, Mollie Burgoon
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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.