# The retinal clock modulates cell viability, retinal circuitry and locomotor activity rhythm

> **NIH NIH SC1** · MOREHOUSE SCHOOL OF MEDICINE · 2024 · $355,000

## Abstract

Experimental evidences indicate that many aspects of mammalian retinal physiology and function are
under the control of a retinal circadian clock. Studies also indicate the retinal molecular clock and its
output signals contribute to retinal disease and pathology. Bmal1 is a key component of the circadian
molecular circadian clock mechanism. Our previous studies indicate that the removal of Bmal1 from
retina modulates neural circuitry of retina and cone photoreceptors viability. The goal of the present
proposal is to investigate the role of retinal circadian clock in retinal function and SCN
circadian organization. The present application comprises three specific aims. In specific aim 1, we
will investigate the mechanism underlying clock regulation of cone viability using 661W cell line. In
specific aim 2, we determine whether the environmental circadian disruption (ECD, e.g. jet lag)
affects retinal function and circuitry. In specific aim 3, we will test the hypothesis that the removal of
Bmal1 from retina alters circadian behavior rhythm. In our research, we will use a wide array of new
and technologically advanced techniques as well as several lines of transgenic mice and cell line will
be used. Our proposal will provide important insights into the role of circadian clock in the modulation
of visual function, photoreceptors viability and behavior rhythm.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10824444
- **Project number:** 5SC1GM135112-04
- **Recipient organization:** MOREHOUSE SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
- **Principal Investigator:** Kenkichi Baba
- **Activity code:** SC1 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $355,000
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2021-05-17 → 2026-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10824444

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10824444, The retinal clock modulates cell viability, retinal circuitry and locomotor activity rhythm (5SC1GM135112-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10824444. Licensed CC0.

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