Hippo and Wnt pathway regulation of mammalian Muller glial cell reprogramming and proliferation
NEI - National Eye Institute
About This Grant
Retinal diseases such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy, as well as traumatic injury, result in loss of retinal neurons and thus sight, depriving many worldwide of one of our most valued senses. Thus, there is a critical need to devise strategies to restore lost retinal neurons, leading to vision recovery. Current efforts in retinal regenerative medicine are heavily invested in cell replacement approaches. However, it may also be possible to induce the mammalian retinae to undergo an intrinsic self-repair mechanism to regenerate neurons. The retinae of non-mammalian vertebrates, such as zebrafish, are known to exhibit the remarkable ability of retinal regeneration. Here, Müller glial cells (MGs) reprogram to proliferative, retinal progenitor-like cells that, in turn, differentiate into new photoreceptors, leading to restoration of vision. Unfortunately, for unknown reasons, mammalian MGs have lost this ability, or it is dormant. Our long-term goal is to identify the cellular and molecular mechanisms blocking mammalian MG-mediated retinal regeneration. By doing so, we may be able to devise strategies to bypass this system and thereby reawaken the regenerative potential of the mammalian retina. In this proposal, we will test the overarching hypothesis that transient modulation of the Hippo signaling pathway drives MGs into a progenitor-like state capable of generating new retinal neurons and MGs. To test this hypothesis, we will employ a multi-disciplinary approach using genetic loss- and gain-of-function experiments, fate mapping, and single-cell transcriptomics. Our specific aims will precisely determine the fate of proliferative MGs, which are non-responsive to Hippo pathway regulation, as being neurons and/or MGs. We will also determine how retinal damage triggers MG cell cycle entry prior to repression by Hippo. These data will provide an essential molecular entry point for further investigating novel methods to promote Müller glial cell-mediated retinal regeneration, and are likely to have a significant impact on the field of retinal regenerative medicine. We anticipate subsequent investigation into more translational, therapeutic methods to modulate Hippo pathway activity to promote retinal regeneration.
Grant Summary
Hippo and Wnt pathway regulation of mammalian Muller glial cell reprogramming and proliferation is a NEI - National Eye Institute grant providing up to $1.6M for university, nonprofit, healthcare org. Applications are due 2028-09-29 (open). Check eligibility and apply with FindGrants.
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Eligibility
How to Apply
Up to $1.6M
2028-09-29
- 1Confirm your organization is eligible for Hippo and Wnt pathway regulation of mammalian Muller glial cell reprogramming and proliferation 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.
- 4Review every section against the requirements checklist, then export a submission-ready application pack and submit it to NEI - National Eye Institute before the deadline.
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Hippo and Wnt pathway regulation of mammalian Muller glial cell reprogramming and proliferation: Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Hippo and Wnt pathway regulation of mammalian Muller glial cell reprogramming and proliferation?
Hippo and Wnt pathway regulation of mammalian Muller glial cell reprogramming and proliferation 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 Hippo and Wnt pathway regulation of mammalian Muller glial cell reprogramming and proliferation provide?
Hippo and Wnt pathway regulation of mammalian Muller glial cell reprogramming and proliferation provides up to $1.6M 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 Hippo and Wnt pathway regulation of mammalian Muller glial cell reprogramming and proliferation deadline?
Applications for Hippo and Wnt pathway regulation of mammalian Muller glial cell reprogramming and proliferation are due 2028-09-29 (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 Hippo and Wnt pathway regulation of mammalian Muller glial cell reprogramming and proliferation?
To apply for Hippo and Wnt pathway regulation of mammalian Muller glial cell reprogramming and proliferation, 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.