Understanding vision loss in children with Neurofibromatosis type-1 and exploring new treatments
Official title: Retinal circuit integration and degeneration in Neurofibromatosis type-1
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11033984 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how optic glioma, which can happen in kids with Neurofibromatosis type-1, affects their eyesight by damaging important cells in the eye, and it’s exploring ways to help protect those cells and improve vision through possible treatments like cell transplants.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $172,818 |
| NIH project number | 1K99EY036954-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11033984 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis type-1 who are at risk of vision loss due to optic glioma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a diagnosis of Neurofibromatosis type-1 or those who do not have optic glioma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how optic glioma, a condition associated with Neurofibromatosis type-1 (NF1), affects retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and leads to vision loss in young children. The study aims to evaluate the damage to RGC axons and explore potential therapies, including cell transplantation, to protect these cells and restore vision. By assessing the impact of RGC loss and the effects of transplanted cells on retinal circuitry, the research seeks to develop effective strategies for preventing vision impairment in affected children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that protect vision in children with Neurofibromatosis type-1.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in cell transplantation therapies for optic nerve injuries, but this specific approach in the context of NF1 is still being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Young, Brent Kevin — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Young, Brent Kevin
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.