BMP2/ALK Signaling in Diabetic Retinopathy and Potential Therapies
Official title: BMP2/ALKs Signaling System in Diabetic Retinopathy
Funded at Oakland University · NIH-11224294 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant looks at how a specific signaling system in the eye may drive vision problems in diabetes and explores ways to block it to protect sight.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oakland University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2020 |
| Project end | February 28, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $572,904 |
| NIH project number | 2R01EY030054-06A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11224294 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with diabetic retinopathy or at risk for it may benefit from future therapies developed from this research.
✕Less likely to help
People without diabetes or existing retinal disease may not directly benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
Diabetes can damage the retina and lead to vision loss from swelling and new abnormal blood vessels. Researchers have found that BMP2/4 signaling through ALK receptors may disrupt the retina’s barrier and promote harmful changes in blood vessels. The project will study how this signaling pathway contributes to diabetic retinopathy and test approaches to interrupt it to prevent or slow disease progression. The work involves laboratory studies on retinal cells and animal models to understand mechanisms and identify potential therapeutic targets. If successful, these findings could guide future treatments to preserve vision in people with diabetes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to new treatments that reduce retinal damage and vision loss in diabetic retinopathy.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data suggest that blocking BMP2/4 signaling can reduce retinal neovascularization in models, supporting potential benefit.
Where this research is happening
-
Oakland University
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Al-Shabrawey, Mohamed Al-Sayed — Oakland University
- Study coordinator: Al-Shabrawey, Mohamed Al-Sayed
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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.