Understanding the development of specific retinal cells in human eye models
Official title: The development and connectivity of starburst amacrine cells in human retinal organoids
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11071228 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how special cells in the eye, called starburst amacrine cells, develop and connect with other cells, which is important for helping us see motion; it's aimed at improving our understanding of eye health and vision problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $49,538 |
| NIH project number | 1F31EY037190-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11071228 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with genetic predispositions to retinal disorders or those interested in advancements in retinal health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with fully developed retinas and no history of retinal disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the development and connections of starburst amacrine cells (SACs) in the human retina using retinal organoids. By employing advanced techniques such as immunohistochemistry and live imaging, the study aims to establish a timeline for the birth and specification of these cells, which are crucial for detecting motion in our visual field. The research will also explore the role of specific transcription factors in the generation of SACs, providing insights into their subtype classification and connectivity with other retinal cells. This work could enhance our understanding of retinal development and potential implications for vision-related disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for vision disorders related to retinal cell dysfunction.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding retinal cell development using similar methodologies, indicating a promising approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Taylor, Allison — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Taylor, Allison
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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.