The Institut de la Vision coordinates or is involved in major projects supported by national and international agencies and foundations.
FOReSIGHT
The FOReSIGHT project, coordinated by Professor José-Alain Sahel, has been labelled IHU - Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire - by the government. Carried by the Fondation Voir & Entendre, this new institute brings together prestigious institutions (Inserm, Sorbonne University and the Centre Hospitalier des Quinze-Vingts) around the Institut de la Vision (Sorbonne University / Inserm / CNRS) in order to meet the current and future challenges of ophthalmology and vision neuroscience.
With the support of:
The DEEPER project:
New photonic technologies and tools to reveal the deep brain alterations underlying the origin of neurological and psychiatric diseases.
The project aims at creating new photonic tools for accessing the deep brain with unprecedented precision for the study and treatment of neurological diseases. It is coordinated by IIT, involves 12 partners in 8 countries, and it has been funded by the European Union with approximately 5.7 million euros for the next 4 years.
To obtain further details and more information about the partners and objectives of this project please click on this link [>>]
With the support of:
HOLOVIS
ERC advanced grant on "Holographic control of visual circuits" for Valentina Emiliani.
Revealing the neural codes that underlie specific brain functions in mammals is an arduous task that requires, on the one hand, the simultaneously recording in vivo of the individual activities of a large number of neurons forming distinct neural subnetworks, and on the other hand, the modulation of the activity of these networks with natural patterns in a targeted and calibrated approach. This requires the development of new methods to manipulate neural circuits in depth, on a large scale, on multi-sites, with the resolution of a single cell and an accuracy of the order of a millisecond.
HOLOVIS will address these limitations through the construction and combination of novel paradigms combining optogenetics with wavefront shaping, microendoscopy, the development of novel waveguide sondes, and the engineering of opsin molecules. This unique combination of approaches will be used to study, with unprecedented precision, the neural circuits essential to visual perception. We will precisely elucidate the mechanisms that regulate functional connectivity and signal processing in different visual pathways, including the visual thalamus and the primary cortex (V1) in mice.
With the support of:
LIGHT4DEAF
This program is dedicated to the fight against Usher Syndrome and is coordinated by Professor José-Alain Sahel, Director of the Vision Institute (Inserm / Sorbonne Université / CNRS) and Professor Christine Petit, researcher at the Pasteur Institute. Usher Syndrome is the most frequent cause of inherited deaf-blindness in humans and one of the most devastating sensory impairment. With a prevalence of 1/10000, it represents 50% of all monogenic deaf-blindness cases. Patients’ and relatives’ response to Usher Syndrom diagnosis include shock, denial, confusion, devastation, and “no plans, no hope”.
The LIGHT4DEAF initiative is designed to implement a major, concerted and interdisciplinary effort between scientists, ENT specialists, ophthalmologists and vestibular, neuro-cognitive and human sciences experts in order to address unmet Usher Syndrome patients’ clinical needs.
With the support of:
NEUROPA
The NEUROPA project is pioneering a new field of phytoptogenetics by developing novel phytochromes that can be activated by new compact NIR lasers leading to long-term modulation of targeted neuronal network activity. A core underlying concept is that we will control networks involving sub-cortical structures by activating cortical projecting neurons which are accessible to 2P light control. Developments in viral engineering will enable the targeting of brain phytochrome expression via peripheral exposure rather than direct brain injection. In addition, ongoing development of brain-region and cell-specific gene delivery systems will enable expression in specific cell types i.e. excitatory neurons, inhibitory neurons and glial subtypes in targeted subpopulations within specific brain areas. Our development of diffusing wave spectroscopy-based blood flow detection will enable the monitoring of network activity and hence the interactive control of the photo-switchable phytochromes.
With the support of:
HUGODECA
The "Human Gonad Developmental Cell Atlas" project is coordinated by Alain Chedotal, Inserm U968 (Paris), Inserm Research Prize 2017, the HUGODECA project brings together 12 teams to describe the cellular composition and organization of developing human gonads and the mechanisms that control sex determination.
With the support of:
LABEX LIFESENSES
The objective of this important project is to address conditions of visual and auditory deficits rarely or entirely untreated, particularly in the context of aging. The LABEX LIFESENSES (Laboratory of Excellence) is supported by French state funds managed by the ANR within the Investissements d'Avenir programme.
With the support of:
Institut Carnot Voir & Entendre
The Institut de la Vision is part of the "Voir & Entendre" Carnot Institute, which represents one of the most important international centers in neurosensory research. This institute is designed as a place of exchange, gathering on the same site patients, clinicians, researchers and industries in order to accelerate innovation in terms of health products and high technology, while bringing solutions to unmet needs of people impaired by pathologies and handicaps affecting visual and hearing systems. The Institut Carnot Voir et Entendre is supported by the ANR.
With the support of:
Carnot International GLOBAL CARE
The GLOBAL CARE Initiative is a consortium of 5 French research institutes joined to develop their collaborative and partnership research in human health worldwide. It puts together researchers and a wide array of technical assets and expertise for business development and research. Based in France (Paris & Lyon), the GLOBAL CARE Initiative is an efficient and high quality springboard towards International success for RTO, Pharma and Biotech. The Carnot International GLOBAL CARE is supported by the ANR.
With the support of:
DHU Vision and Handicaps
The Institut de la Vision is part of the «Département Hospitalo-Universitaire (DHU) Vision and Handicaps». The DHU brings together care units of the "Assistance de Paris Hôpitaux de Paris (APHP), of the Centre Hospitalier National d'Ophtalmologie des Quinze-Vingts, and the Fondation Ophtalmologique Rothschild, affiliated to three major universities: the UPMC, the UVSQ, the University of Paris 7 and the University of Paris 13. In the frame of the DHU, clinical and fundamental research as well as medical education will be strongly promoted. The objectives of the DHU Vision and Handicaps include prevention, screening, and management of ocular conditions which are sources of disability and of visual impairment in patients with associated disabilities.
ERC Synergy "Helmholtz"
The European Research Council (ERC) selected in 2013 thirteen projects from nearly 450 applications for the prestigious Synergy Grant. Each project brings together two to four eminent researchers working at the crossroads of multiple disciplines. The Helmholtz project is one of the winning projects. It combines the scientific expertise of the Institut de la Vision and of the Institut Langevin to develop advanced diagnostic and to monitor non-invasive imagery methods permitting real-time investigation of the structure and function of retinal cells and vessels.
With the support of:
ECOMODE
ECOMODE (H2020 ICT) aims at exploiting the recently matured biologically-inspired technique of event-driven compressive sensing (EDC) of audio-visual information to implement touch-less device control/interaction based on gesture and vision-assisted speech recognition. The final goal of the project is to demonstrate that the proposed technology is particularly suited to support the diverse user group of the visually impaired and the elderly, and to facilitate their interaction with modern ICT devices and hence improve their potential to better participate in a modern, interconnected society. The project consortium is composed of 7 international partners and coordinated by the Institut de la Vision (UPMC). The ECOMODE is funded by the European Commission H2020.
With the support of:
ERC OPTOGENRET
"Microbial opsins for mammalian vision: Optogenetics in the retina"
One of the aims of this project is to restore vision in retinal degenerative diseases such as Retinitis pigmentosa by the insertion of microbial opsins into retinal neurons. Another aim is to investigate the structure and function of retinal interneurons, which mediate the remarkable image processing capabilities of the retina, by using optogenetics in combination with two-photon microscopy and electrophysiology. OptogenRet is supported by the European Research Council.
This ERC project has been presented in a article "A new vision for treating retinal blindness", in the Spring 2016 issue of the EU Research magazine.
With the support of:
ERC REGENERETH
"Modeling and treating retinal degenerative diseases"
The creation of models of diseases in primates combined with novel AAVs tested in human post-mortem retinas will enable us to validate therapies aiming at vision restoration and neuroprotection in retinas with a macula and high central visual acuity, removing a major roadblock in the development of ocular therapeutics for humans. The REGENERETH is supported by the European Research Council.
With the support of:
ERC BRAINSTRUCT
"Building up a brain: understanding how neural stem cell fate and regulation controls nervous tissue architecture"
The experiments of this project will reveal how neural stem cell output might be regulated by cell interactions and intercellular signals. This multidisciplinary project will set the basis for quantitative analysis of brain development with single-cell resolution in normal and pathological conditions. The BRAINSTRUCT is supported by the European Research Council.
With the support of:
Human Brain Project (HBP): aCORE and CLAP
The Institut de la Vision contributes to the main aim of the HBP to better understand the human brain. It is involved in the following sub-projects: SP4 - Mathematical and Theoretical Foundations of Brain Research and SP11 - Applications. Both sub-projects are supported by the European Union.
Brain Initiative
"Three dimensional holography for parallel multi-target optogenetic circuit manipulation"
The project consortium (5 participants) proposes to: (1) characterize newly developed opsins to determine which are best suited for holographic activation techniques; (2) implement holographic light patterns in three-dimensions; and, (3) distribute and iteratively optimize the 3D holography system in collaboration with Neuroscientists studying circuits in optically and physiologically diverse neural systems. The end goal is to develop a robust system, capable of manipulating neurons in patterns that mimic naturally occurring activity. The project is funded by the NIH (National Institutes of Health) in the frame of the BI
With the support of:
FFB Paris Center for Translational Research on Retinal Degenerations
The Paris center represents an ambitious integrated set of modules aiming at a better understanding and, above all, at developing and validating novel therapies for retinal degenerations, namely retinal dystrophies and age-related-macular degeneration (AMD). The FFB Paris Center is supported by the Foundation Fighting Blindness.
With the support of:
FFB Translational Research Acceleration Program (TRAP)
The Institut de la Vision is developing an optogenetic gene therapy based on an adeno-associated virus to reactive cones in people with advanced retinal degeneration from conditions such as retinitis pigmentosa. Its goal is to launch a clinical trial of the emerging treatment. The FFB TRAP is supported by the Foundation Fighting Blindness.
With the support of:
SIGHT AGAIN
SIGHT AGAIN is a collaborative research and development project, which aims at restoring vision to legally blind patients with retinitis pigmentosa at different stages. SIGHT AGAIN is coordinated by GenSight Biologics, with two participants: Pixium Vision and the Fondation Voir & Entendre. This project is based on a unique public - private partnership, supported by Bpifrance in the frame of the Investissements d'Avenir.
With the support of:
CHAIRE INDUSTRIELLE SILVERSIGHT II
Research chair "Aging in Vision and Action"
Le vieillissement visuel s’accompagne de multiples altérations, qu’elles soient anatomiques, neurophysiologiques, perceptives ou cognitives.
Cette dégradation des fonctions visuelles réduit progressivement et inéluctablement l’autonomie au quotidien des personnes âgées. Avec le vieillissement de la population, l’impact grandissant de ces troubles de la vision devient un réel problème de santé publique.
La Chaire Silversight II permettra de mieux comprendre et anticiper ces changements en transférant des connaissances fondamentales vers des technologies innovantes portées par des industriels pour l’amélioration de la vision, de l’attention, de la mobilité et des capacités exécutives des personnes âgées.
Une autre mission majeure de la CHAIRE SILVERSIGHT II est d’enrichir les connaissances cliniques et fondamentales afin de discriminer, le plus en amont possible le vieillissement pathologique.
With the support of:
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ULPEC
ULPEC (H2020 ICT) aims at developping advanced vision applications with ultra-low power requirements and ultra-low latency. The goal of the project is to demonstrate a microsystem that is natively brain-inspired, connecting an event-based camera to a dedicated Spiking Neural Network enabled by memristive synapses. This high-speed, ultra-low power consumption asynchronous visual data processing system will then manipulate the sensor output end-to-end without changing its nature. The project consortium is composed of 8 European partners including Institut de la Vision (SU) and coordinated by the Université de Bordeaux (UBx). This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 732642.
With the support of:
IT-DED3
IT-DED3 aims at accelerating new therapy and biomarker development in the field of Dry Eye Disease (DED) by creating a multidisciplinary European research and training network around DED research. IT-DED3 will deliver entrepreneurial and innovative researchers able to face future challenges and to convert new ideas into therapeutic products for DED generating both social and economic benefits. The project consortium is composed of 7 European partners and coordinated by the University of Antwerp (UAntwerp). The Institut de la Vision has obtained funding for 2 PhD students out of the 12 that will be funded by this project: 1 PhD in Basic Research and 1 PhD for Clinical Research. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement No 765608.
With the support of:
TACT
The overall objective of the project « Towards an objective and quantitative Assessment of human Corneal Transparency » is to develop and validate advanced concepts and novel imaging modalities tailored to the needs of cornea assessment, enabling ease of use, high resolution, and deep light-penetration characterization and imaging. At the interface of physics and ophthalmology, the research will enhance our basic understanding of corneal transparency as well as lead to major changes and improvements in patient care and management.
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement n°709104.
With the support of:
Next Generation Optogenetics for Vision Restoration
Optogenetic therapies hold promise for restoring vision in people with advanced retinal disease regardless of their underlying mutation. Dr. Dalkara and her team are developing an optogenetic therapy that can be administered to different retinal cell types depending on the condition (stage of disease) of the patient’s retinal structure. Furthermore, the approach has the potential to bestow a higher degree of sensitivity (i.e., better vision) than current optogenetic approaches in clinical trials and translational studies.
With the support of:
Unraveling gene defects underlying inherited retinal diseases
While mutations in more than 270 genes have been linked to inherited retinal diseases, about one third of patients won’t have their disease-causing gene mutation identified when they receive genetic testing. Dr. Audo and her team are using whole genome sequencing and subsequent tests in patient cells to identify their novel gene mutations. Results of the study will be published and shared with the research community. The results of the study will help doctors diagnose more patients and identify more candidates for clinical trials.
With the support of:
Investigating retinal structure and function in people with X-linked retinitis pigmentosa caused by RPGR mutations (Diana Davis Spencer Clinical Fellowship)
Dr. Nassisi is conducting a retrospective analysis of collected data, including functional and structural parameters to model disease progression, in people with X-linked retinitis pigmentosa caused by RPGR mutations. His goal is to better understand how different mutations in the gene affect vision loss. Ultimately, he wants to determine endpoints that can be used in clinical trials of gene therapies and other emerging treatments.
With the support of:
