AKRON, OH — Today, U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) announced that the University of Akron has received a $241,455 federal grant from the National Eye Institute, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, to support research into how cells in the retina communicate. The three-year award, which runs from September 15, 2026 through September 14, 2029, is a Research Enhancement Award for a project titled “Synaptic Architecture and Bidirectional Signaling of Retinal Horizontal and Dopaminergic Circuits.”

 

“Northeast Ohio is home to researchers who are exploring important questions about the human body, and this federal investment will help the University of Akron continue to be a leader in research,” said Congresswoman Sykes. “Vision research leads to better ways to understand, prevent, and treat eye disease, and it gives students hands-on experience that prepares them for careers in science and medicine.”

 

“Dr. Renna's project will provide a detailed map of the neural connections that enable visual adaptation and circadian regulation, two processes central to human health and quality of life,” said Suzanne B. Bausch, PhD, Vice President, Research & Business Engagement. “We are excited to see University of Akron researchers contributing critical knowledge that will enhance our understanding of the visual system while also informing future approaches to retinal disease and dysfunction.”

 

The project will examine the structure and signaling of horizontal cells and dopaminergic circuits in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Horizontal cells help the retina sharpen contrast and adjust to changing light, while dopamine-releasing cells help the eye shift between dim and bright conditions. By studying how these cells signal to one another in both directions, the research aims to improve understanding of how the retina processes visual information and how that process can break down in eye disease. The award will also provide hands-on research training for University of Akron students.