Altering tiny eye-cell particles to protect and restore the aging retina
Official title: Modulation of Exosome Release for Functional Restoration in Age-related Retinal Disorders
Funded at Mc Laughlin Research Institute · NIH-11350892 · Data updated 2026-11-12
The team is testing whether changing tiny particles released by retinal support cells can help protect or restore vision for people with age-related macular degeneration.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mc Laughlin Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Great Falls, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $317,636 |
| NIH project number | 5P20GM152335-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11350892 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with age-related macular degeneration—especially those with early or intermediate disease linked to RPE dysfunction—would be the most relevant patient group.
✕Less likely to help
People whose vision loss is due to non-AMD conditions or those with very advanced, irreversible retinal atrophy are unlikely to benefit directly from this preclinical work.
What this research studies
As someone with AMD, I would hear that researchers are studying tiny packages called exosomes that retinal support cells (RPE) release and that these may harm the outer blood-retina barrier. They will stress RPE cells in lab dishes to see how exosome release affects cell connections and deposit formation, and will change exosome release in mouse models that mimic AMD. The team will look for signs of preserved RPE and photoreceptor health and less barrier breakdown as a step toward new therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to treatments that slow or reverse RPE damage and help preserve vision in AMD.
How similar studies have gone: This is largely a preclinical and novel approach: some laboratory studies suggest exosomes influence retinal health, but clinical success with this strategy has not yet been shown.
Where this research is happening
-
Mc Laughlin Research Institute
Great Falls, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Klingeborn, Mikael — Mc Laughlin Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Klingeborn, Mikael
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.