NEI Regenerative Medicine Clinical Trial Planning Grant (R34 - Clinical Trials Not Allowed)

The National Eye Institute (NEI) Audacious Goal Initiative (AGI) is an effort to push the boundaries of vision science and restore vision through regeneration of cells in the retina. AGI research specifically targets photoreceptors (PRCs) and retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in the eye. Photoreceptors often called rods and cones are cells in the retina that, when stimulated by light, generate signals the brain perceives as images. The retinal ganglion cells carry these signals from the photoreceptors to the brain. Although there has been some success in regenerating retinal neurons and connections in fish, mice, and other systems, the ultimate goal of the AGI is to restore vision in humans.