Official websites use .gov

A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

A lock ( 🔒 ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Need Help

Interactive Neuromodulation of ipRGC Signaling by Dopamine and Adenosine

Award Number: F31EY038614
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL EYE INSTITUTE
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: FELLOWSHIP/SCHOLARSHIP/STUDENT LOANS
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 04/03/2026
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 04/02/2029

Group Awards By:

View Award Description

Interactive Neuromodulation of ipRGC Signaling by Dopamine and Adenosine - PROJECT SUMMARY Light profoundly influences the physiology and behavioral patterns of a wide range of organisms, from bacteria to mammals. Intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) are melanopsin – a photopigment – expressing retinal ganglion cells that are known to provide non-image-forming photic signals to regulate light- dependent physiology and behaviors, such as sleep, mood, memory, and learning. Adenosine is a retinal neuromodulator that rises during exposure to prolonged darkness and at night; its level oscillates in anti-phase to that of dopamine, another well-known retinal neuromodulator. Preliminary results demonstrate that application of adenosine regulates intrinsic light responses in M1 ipRGCs in ways that would not be expected based on the known signaling pathways. Furthermore, single-cell RNA sequence data analysis reveals that a subset of M1 ipRGCs co-express mRNA encoding the adenosine A1 receptor (A1R; Adora1) and the D1 receptor (D1R; Drd1). These findings suggest the possibility of A1R-D1R heterodimer formation and, thus, novel signaling pathways mediated by adenosine. The exact mechanisms behind these interactions, however, remain unclear. We hypothesize that A1R-D1R interactions enable novel signaling mechanisms for adenosine. To understand the effects of neuromodulators and their receptors on the ipRGC signaling pathways, we propose three Specific Aims: 1) Determine if the D1 receptor alters signaling by adenosine in M1 ipRGCs via whole-cell patch clamp electrophysiology and RNAscope; 2) Identify putative G-protein signaling partners for A1Rs, D1Rs, and potential A1R-D1R heterodimers using Bioluminescence Resonant Energy Transfer and cAMP Biosensors.; 3) To examine the behavioral effects of a potential A1R-D1R interaction on light-dependent physiology via a “jet-lag” paradigm. Overall, our experiments aim to contribute to knowledge of the biochemical and molecular mechanisms through which light impacts human health and performance by governing circadian rhythms, sleep, mood, memory, and learning.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $43,720 )
2026	2026	WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY	240 FRENCH ADMINISTRATION BLDG	PULLMAN	WA	99164	WHITMAN	USA	Vision Research	001	1	4/3/2026	NEW	$0
2026	2026	WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY	240 FRENCH ADMINISTRATION BLDG	PULLMAN	WA	99164	WHITMAN	USA	Vision Research	000	1	4/3/2026	NEW	$43,720
														Subtotal = $43,720

Grand Total All Awards = $43,720

Top

All Categories

About

Search

Reports

Data Submission

Award Information

Interactive Neuromodulation of ipRGC Signaling by Dopamine and Adenosine

Award Number: F31EY038614

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL EYE INSTITUTE

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: FELLOWSHIP/SCHOLARSHIP/STUDENT LOANS

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 04/03/2026

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 04/02/2029

Federal Websites

Department of Health & Human Services

HHS Operating Divisions

HHS Staff Divisions

Download A Document Viewer