Understanding the proteins involved in vision at the junction of photoreceptor cells
Official title: Quantitative proteome of the photoreceptor outer-inner segment junction
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11098598 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how proteins in the eye work together to help us see, and it aims to understand what goes wrong in these processes that can lead to vision problems, especially for people with eye diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $241,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R21EY036127-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11098598 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing vision loss due to photoreceptor degenerative diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-degenerative eye conditions or those whose vision loss is not related to photoreceptor function may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex protein interactions at the junction of photoreceptor cells in the eye, which are crucial for vision. By analyzing the proteins involved in visual signal processing and their trafficking between the outer and inner segments of these cells, the study aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms that sustain vision. The approach includes advanced biochemical techniques to map and quantify these proteins, potentially revealing how defects in these processes contribute to degenerative eye diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights and treatments for degenerative eye diseases that affect vision.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding protein interactions in other cellular contexts, suggesting potential for breakthroughs in this area as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Skiba, Nikolai — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Skiba, Nikolai
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.