# Compartmentalized protein localization in photoreceptors

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF IOWA · 2022 · $386,250

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
Photoreceptor cells in the retina are highly polarized and compartmentalized neurons. Most proteins
localize to a specific compartment in photoreceptors, and such compartment-specific protein localization
is essential for the proper function and survival of photoreceptors. Despite considerable research efforts,
however, our understanding of the mechanisms by which photoreceptors achieve compartment-specific
protein localization is limited. Related to this, the pathophysiology of retinal degenerations caused by the
disruption of these mechanisms is also not sufficiently understood. This is partly because of the lack of
easy-to-use means to monitor protein trafficking and confinement in diseased photoreceptors. To address
this need, we have developed two transgenic mouse lines, iROSRePT (inducible Reporter for the Outer
Segment Renewal and Protein Trafficking) and iRATProx (inducible Reporter for ABCA4 Trafficking and
Proximity labeling). In the proposed studies, we will utilize these reporter lines and four disease models
representing the disruption of the ciliary gate, intraflagellar transport (IFT), and exocytotic membrane fusion
machinery and investigate the precise requirements of these mechanisms for the compartmentalized
protein localization in photoreceptors. We anticipate that the outcome of this study will significantly advance
our understanding of the mechanisms by which photoreceptor compartment homeostasis is attained and
the pathophysiology of retinal degenerations linked to defective protein trafficking and confinement. This
knowledge will build a foundation to develop treatments for cilia-related retinal degenerations and assess
the efficacy of newly developed therapies.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10501525
- **Project number:** 1R01EY034176-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF IOWA
- **Principal Investigator:** Seongjin Seo
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $386,250
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2022-09-30 → 2026-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10501525

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10501525, Compartmentalized protein localization in photoreceptors (1R01EY034176-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-27 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10501525. Licensed CC0.

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