CMG2's role in guiding harmful blood-vessel growth in the cornea and other tissues
Functional requirement of CMG2 for endothelial cell chemotaxis and resulting angiogenesis
This project looks at whether blocking the protein CMG2 can stop harmful new blood-vessel growth that can cause vision loss and other angiogenesis-related diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11166699 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are focusing on a protein called CMG2 that helps blood-vessel cells move toward growth signals. In lab experiments and animal models they use a microfluidic cell-tracking system to separate directional movement (chemotaxis) from random movement and test CMG2-blocking tools such as the protein inhibitor PASSSR, small molecules, and genetic knockout. The team will measure how these interventions affect new vessel growth in the cornea and in other models of pathological angiogenesis. Findings could point to new ways to stop damaging blood vessels that threaten vision and contribute to other diseases.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with corneal neovascularization, those at high risk of corneal graft rejection, or patients with diseases driven by abnormal angiogenesis (for example some eye diseases or cancers) could be candidates for future related trials.
Not a fit: People without conditions caused by abnormal blood-vessel growth or those with advanced disease unlikely to respond to anti-angiogenic approaches may not benefit from this line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that block damaging blood-vessel growth in the eye and other conditions, lowering the risk of vision loss and related complications.
How similar studies have performed: Anti-VEGF treatments have successfully reduced harmful eye blood vessels, but targeting CMG2 is a newer approach with promising preclinical inhibition of corneal neovascularization and limited clinical data so far.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston Children's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rogers, Michael Sean — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Rogers, Michael Sean
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 below.