Understanding how visual pigments work and their role in eye diseases
Official title: Chemical Biology of the Visual Pigments
Funded at University of California-Irvine · NIH-11054551 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the special pigments in our eyes work and how they can be affected by eye diseases, with the goal of finding new ways to improve treatments for vision problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $449,125 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY034519-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11054551 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with retinal diseases or those experiencing vision problems related to visual pigment dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-retinal vision issues or those without any visual impairment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the structure and function of visual pigments, which are crucial for human vision and are impacted by retinal diseases. The team will explore how these pigments respond to light and the biochemical processes that follow, using advanced techniques to address gaps in current knowledge. By studying the interactions of visual pigments and potential therapeutic agents, the research aims to uncover new insights that could lead to better treatments for vision-related conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for retinal diseases, enhancing vision and quality of life for affected patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding visual pigments and their role in vision, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kiser, Philip David — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Kiser, Philip David
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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.