# 3D visualization and Investigation of Retinal Axon Regeneration

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI SCHOOL OF MEDICINE · 2021 · $383,750

## Abstract

3D Visualization and Investigation of Retinal Axon Regeneration
Poor regeneration of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axons is a major obstacle for treating ocular trauma and optic
neuropathies. There are yet no therapies to repair damaged optic nerve. Our previous studies have
demonstrated that modulation of distinct genes promotes long distance regeneration of some RGC axons in
adult mice. However, promoting axons not only to regenerate into the lesion, but to travel long distances, and to
reconnect with their central targets is still a major challenge. In fact, we and others have reported that only a few
axons reinnervate the brain. It is unclear what cellular and molecular factors contribute to the limited pathfinding,
and the lack of target re-innervation. The overall goal of this proposal is to; i) identify effective approaches that
promote regeneration and reconnection of RGC axons, ii) optimize three dimensional imaging techniques to
examine subtype-specific regeneration, and iii) assess the genes that are regulated by the regenerative-
promoting factors using single nucleus RNA sequencing. Identifying strategies to further increase regeneration
and re-innervation in the brain represents critical future studies. Results obtained from these studies will provide
invaluable information on developing future therapies to repair degenerated optic nerve after trauma or in
diseases.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10180285
- **Project number:** 1R01EY032542-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
- **Principal Investigator:** KEVIN Kyung PARK
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $383,750
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2021-04-01 → 2025-02-28

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10180285

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10180285, 3D visualization and Investigation of Retinal Axon Regeneration (1R01EY032542-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10180285. Licensed CC0.

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