Targeting distinct neuron types in the degenerating retina for vision restoration
About This Grant
Project Summary/Abstract Photoreceptor degeneration in diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and retinitis pigmentosa (RP) causes irreversible blindness, affecting millions worldwide with no current treatment capable of restoring naturalistic vision. In the Chichilnisky Lab at Stanford University, our goal is to develop the first treatment capable of restoring naturalistic vision using an electronic retinal implant. This device will operate by stimulating the surviving output cells of the retina, retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), at single-cell resolution to replicate the intricate signals the healthy retina would have sent to the brain. Achieving this goal requires a detailed understanding of various RGC types, their physiological properties, and their responses to electrical stimulation in the degenerating retina. To build this understanding, I will develop computational approaches for cell type identification and conduct ex vivo electrophysiology experiments using large-scale multielectrode arrays to track and electrically stimulate RGCs in degenerating retinas. In the proposed research, I will study RGCs in the retina of a rat model of retinal degeneration (Royal College of Surgeons) due to its practicality and our experience with rat retinas. I will first catalog RGC types in healthy rat retinas using their distinct responses to light, then develop computational approaches to identify RGC types based solely on their electrical features. This capability is crucial for application in blind retinas, where light responses are absent. Next, I will apply this approach to track and characterize RGC types at different stages of degeneration in a rat model of RP, allowing me to observe how degeneration affects RGC physiology and electrical targetability. Finally, I aim to control the activity of individual RGC types via electrical stimulation to evaluate the feasibility of restoring visual signals in degenerated retinas with cell type-specific precision. This research will make possible the identification and control of distinct cell types in the degenerating retina for the first time. This will be a crucial component of a future cell type-specific retinal implant for vision restoration and will advance our understanding of functional cellular changes during neurodegeneration. This research will be conducted using state-of-the-art multielectrode arrays under the mentorship of Prof. Chichilnisky, a world leader in retinal neurophysiology. I will receive training in ex vivo electrophysiology, neuroscience, machine learning, and scientific communication within an academic environment that fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and is home to experts in engineering, computation, and vision science. Access to coursework, workshops, and seminars will further support all aspects of the proposed work. This training will directly advance my long-term goal of developing a bi-directional epiretinal implant to restore naturalistic artificial vision and deepen our understanding of visual neuroscience.
Grant Summary
Targeting distinct neuron types in the degenerating retina for vision restoration is a NEI - National Eye Institute grant providing up to $79K for university, nonprofit, healthcare org. Applications are due 2029-07-31 (open). Check eligibility and apply with FindGrants.
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Up to $79K
2029-07-31
- 1Confirm your organization is eligible for Targeting distinct neuron types in the degenerating retina for vision restoration from NEI - National Eye Institute, checking organization type, location, and any population or project requirements.
- 2Gather the required documents and information, including your organization details, project plan, and budget figures.
- 3Draft your application narrative and budget addressing the funder's priorities and review criteria. FindGrants can draft each section for you to review and edit.
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Targeting distinct neuron types in the degenerating retina for vision restoration: Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Targeting distinct neuron types in the degenerating retina for vision restoration?
Targeting distinct neuron types in the degenerating retina for vision restoration is offered by NEI - National Eye Institute and is generally open to university, nonprofit, healthcare org. It is open to organizations nationwide unless the funder specifies otherwise. Review the specific eligibility terms before applying, since funders set their own requirements around organization type, location, and the population or project being served.
How much funding does the Targeting distinct neuron types in the degenerating retina for vision restoration provide?
Targeting distinct neuron types in the degenerating retina for vision restoration provides up to $79K per award from NEI - National Eye Institute. Actual award sizes depend on the scope of your project, available program funds, and the number of applicants, so build a budget that reflects realistic, allowable costs rather than the maximum figure.
When is the Targeting distinct neuron types in the degenerating retina for vision restoration deadline?
Applications for Targeting distinct neuron types in the degenerating retina for vision restoration are due 2029-07-31 (open). Because deadlines can change, verify the date with the funder, NEI - National Eye Institute, and give yourself enough time to prepare a complete, competitive application before the close date.
How do you apply for the Targeting distinct neuron types in the degenerating retina for vision restoration?
To apply for Targeting distinct neuron types in the degenerating retina for vision restoration, confirm your eligibility, gather the required documents, and prepare a narrative and budget that address the funder's priorities. FindGrants guides you step by step and can draft each section, then exports a submission-ready application pack for this grant from NEI - National Eye Institute.