# Wiring and rewiring of the chromatin landscape during retinogenesis

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · 2024 · $413,741

## Abstract

SUMMARY: The proper execution of transcriptional programs in retinal progenitor cells is
extremely critical for retinal formation as dysregulation of this process leads to severely
compromised retinogenesis and the development of ocular disorders, including anophthalmia or
microphthalmia. The wiring and rewiring of chromatin landscape constitutes an essential
mechanism to precise spatial and temporal regulation of gene expression during retinal
differentiation, yet our understanding to this process remains inadequate. Our goal is to utilize
state-of-the-art genomic technologies to provide a deep understanding to the genetic and
epigenetic circuits that underlie retinal transcription programs and how perturbations in the retinal
core regulatory networks lead to congenital syndromes. In the first aim of this proposal, we will
use mouse models to dissect the molecular, cellular, and genomic effects of genetic mutations on
retinal development. In aim 2, we will elucidate how the chromatin landscape is wired by
transcription factors in retinal progenitor cells. In aim 3, we will explore how coordination among
components of the core regulatory network drive retinogenesis epigenetically and
transcriptionally. When completed, the results of this proposal will bridge a gap in our
understanding to the chromatin-based regulatory mechanism underlying retinal genesis, a
necessary knowledge to enhance strategies to diagnose, treat or prevent the devastating
consequences of congenital vision deficiency.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10980097
- **Project number:** 1R01EY035619-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH
- **Principal Investigator:** Issam Al Diri
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $413,741
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-09-01 → 2029-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10980097

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10980097, Wiring and rewiring of the chromatin landscape during retinogenesis (1R01EY035619-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10980097. Licensed CC0.

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