# Simultaneous Single-cell Lineage Tracing and Transcriptome Analysis for Mapping Human and Mouse Retinal Development

> **NIH NIH F31** · JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $45,520

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
Retinal development occurs as a common retinal progenitor cell is differentiated into the seven classes of
retinal neurons and supporting cells that organize into the three layers of the retina. This developmental
process has primarily been studied in mace, as it takes place largely in utero, and the difficulty of obtaining
human fetal tissue has put significant limitations on the ability to study the detailed mechanisms of early human
retinal development. Understanding the genetic complexity of retinal cell fate decisions and cell lineages holds
implications for our understanding of retinal disease. Retinal diseases can cause the dysfunction and death of
specific retinal cell types, leading to vision loss and blindness in patients. Many genes associated with retinal
diseases have also been implicated in normal retinal development, and knowledge of the correct molecular
processes will give context to abnormal processes observed in disease states. Recently, human stem cell-
derived retinal organoids have become an established model for studying the cellular and molecular processes
of retinal development. The goal of this study is to perform simultaneous RNA sequencing and lineage tracing
in vivo in murine retinas and in vitro in developing human retinal organoids at single-cell resolution in order to
create detailed maps of human and mouse retina formation. The proposed study will build upon our
understanding of mice as a model organism for retinal studies and allow the identification of genes and
pathways involved in the precise cell fate decisions that occur during human retinal development. The ultimate
comparison of these two model systems may further highlight and prioritize genes of key importance. This
knowledge will help to develop and improve therapeutic strategies for treating retinal diseases.
This proposal explains a research strategy and training plan to develop the principal investigator, Ms. Claire
Wenger, throughout her graduate education. Ms. Wenger has completed her third-year as a graduate student in
the Human Genetics Predoctoral Training Program at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. After graduating, it is
her goal to continue to pursue vision research and embark on a career as a principal investigator at a research-
based institution. Ms. Wenger’s education must be thorough and interdisciplinary in order to develop her skills
in molecular and cellular biology, bioinformatics, responsible conduct of research, scientific communication, and
mentorship. Her training plan includes coursework, seminars, meetings, and laboratory skills taught to her by a
diverse set of mentors. The proposed research and training strategies will provide Ms. Wenger with the
necessary tools to excel in her graduate career and successfully attain her future goals.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9992697
- **Project number:** 1F31EY030769-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Claire Bell
- **Activity code:** F31 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $45,520
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2020-05-01 → 2023-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9992697

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9992697, Simultaneous Single-cell Lineage Tracing and Transcriptome Analysis for Mapping Human and Mouse Retinal Development (1F31EY030769-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9992697. Licensed CC0.

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