Mapping how the human retinal and visual brain tissues develop
Official title: Mapping of the Developmental Atlas of the Visual System and Research on Embryonic Neurogenesis Phenomena
Run by Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University · NCT07688538 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests how retinal nerve cells and related brain regions grow and connect in human embryos, using donated embryonic tissues from terminated pregnancies.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Guangzhou, Guangdong) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 16, 2026 |
| Main results expected | June 2027 |
| Study ends | June 2027 |
| Registry record updated | July 7, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07688538 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are embryos with documented developmental abnormalities and intact ocular and brain tissues suitable for multi-omics and functional experiments, as well as embryos without defects confirmed by prenatal assessments.
✕Probably not a fit
Tissues from embryos with severe damage or contamination or whose donors withdraw consent may not yield benefit to future patients.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Researchers will collect eye and brain tissues from embryos with and without developmental abnormalities and apply single-cell sequencing, multi-omics analyses, and functional measurements to map gene activity, growth pathways, and neural connections. They will use Patch-seq, high-density microelectrode arrays, and two-photon calcium imaging to examine electrical activity, cell shape, synaptic connections, and signal coding in retina and visual cortex. The goal is to create a developmental atlas of the visual system and related cognitive regions to understand how early neurogenesis shapes later function. All samples are obtained with informed consent and appropriate ethical oversight. The study is observational and focuses on tissue collection and advanced sequencing analysis rather than interventional procedures.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: The research could provide a detailed map of early visual system development that may inform understanding of retinal and brain developmental anomalies.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work in developmental neuroscience has advanced multi-omics and electrophysiological mapping, but this exact combination in human embryonic visual system development is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Abnormal group: Embryos with clinically confirmed embryonic developmental abnormalities requiring medical termination of pregnancy; intact retinal, visual and cognitive brain tissues available for snATAC-seq, scRNA-seq, electrophysiology, proteomics and RNAscope detection. Normal group: Embryos confirmed free of any ocular and central nervous developmental defects by prenatal examination and anatomical observation; intact embryonic ocular and brain tissues meeting all experimental detection standards. All sample donors have signed written informed consent authorizing the use of residual embryonic tissues for scientific research, with no monetary compensation involved. Exclusion Criteria: * Embryonic ocular or brain tissues with severe necrosis, structural damage or microbial contamination that cannot support multi-omics and functional experiments. Donors who withdraw or refuse the consent for tissue research use. Samples with irregular collection, transportation or cryopreservation procedures resulting in tissue degradation and failure to meet experimental requirements.
Where it's running
-
Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University
Guangzhou, Guangdong, China Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Sheng Liu, Doctor
- Email: liush87@mail.sysu.edu.cn
- Phone: 13622284795
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.