iPSC-derived retina
About This Grant
Abstract This proposal addresses the lack of human retina cell models for mechanistic and therapeutic studies. Retinal diseases are a significant cause of vision impairment in humans and account for > 54% of blindness in the USA. Despite this, there are limited or no treatment options available for several retinal diseases. Most studies on human retinal diseases have so far used animal models, including the commonly used transgenic mice that are genetically engineered to carry the disease- related gene. Although these mouse models have provided important insights into the plausible disease mechanisms of vision loss in specific retinal diseases, due to the lack of physiological human retina cell models, there has been limited translatability of molecular and therapeutic discoveries identified in the non-primate models of human eye diseases. Furthermore, from the perspective of cell-based therapies of retinal degenerative diseases that predominantly affect the photoreceptor-retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) complex in the retina, a “planar tissue comprising the photoreceptor-RPE layers” that can integrate into the existing retina is an urgent unmet translational need. To complement in vivo animal model studies and develop human retina tissue for molecular and therapeutic applications, in this project, we will utilize a combination of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), engineered extracellular matrix (eECM), microbubble arrays, and microfluidics technology. Aim 1 experiments will develop a microphysiological model of comprehensive hiPSC- retina that will emulate the physiological spherical geometry of the human retina in vivo and thus will be suitable for disease modeling, molecular, and drug testing applications. Aim 2 experiments will develop a planar hiPSC-photoreceptor-RPE tissue for use in cell-based therapy targeting photoreceptor and RPE loss in retinal degenerative diseases. Ultimately, hiPSC- derived comprehensive retina (Aim 1) and planar photoreceptor-RPE (Aim 2) will be a tissue engineering breakthrough for in vitro (e.g., molecular, therapeutic testing) and in vivo (cell-based therapy) applications targeting human retinal diseases.
Grant Summary
iPSC-derived retina is a NEI - National Eye Institute grant providing up to $685K for university, nonprofit, healthcare org. Applications are due 2030-03-31 (open). Check eligibility and apply with FindGrants.
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Focus Areas
Eligibility
How to Apply
Up to $685K
2030-03-31
- 1Confirm your organization is eligible for iPSC-derived retina from NEI - National Eye Institute, checking organization type, location, and any population or project requirements.
- 2Gather the required documents and information, including your organization details, project plan, and budget figures.
- 3Draft your application narrative and budget addressing the funder's priorities and review criteria. FindGrants can draft each section for you to review and edit.
- 4Review every section against the requirements checklist, then export a submission-ready application pack and submit it to NEI - National Eye Institute before the deadline.
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iPSC-derived retina: Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the iPSC-derived retina?
iPSC-derived retina is offered by NEI - National Eye Institute and is generally open to university, nonprofit, healthcare org. It is open to organizations nationwide unless the funder specifies otherwise. Review the specific eligibility terms before applying, since funders set their own requirements around organization type, location, and the population or project being served.
How much funding does the iPSC-derived retina provide?
iPSC-derived retina provides up to $685K per award from NEI - National Eye Institute. Actual award sizes depend on the scope of your project, available program funds, and the number of applicants, so build a budget that reflects realistic, allowable costs rather than the maximum figure.
When is the iPSC-derived retina deadline?
Applications for iPSC-derived retina are due 2030-03-31 (open). Because deadlines can change, verify the date with the funder, NEI - National Eye Institute, and give yourself enough time to prepare a complete, competitive application before the close date.
How do you apply for the iPSC-derived retina?
To apply for iPSC-derived retina, confirm your eligibility, gather the required documents, and prepare a narrative and budget that address the funder's priorities. FindGrants guides you step by step and can draft each section, then exports a submission-ready application pack for this grant from NEI - National Eye Institute.