Creating a new mouse model to study age-related eye disease
Official title: A Novel Mouse Model for Spontaneous and Age-Related Choroidal Neovascularization
Funded at University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt · NIH-10988984 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is creating a special mouse model to help researchers understand and find better treatments for wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a condition that can cause vision loss.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Farmington, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $291,375 |
| NIH project number | 1R21EY035843-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10988984 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for age-related macular degeneration or those experiencing early signs of the disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of vision impairment unrelated to age-related macular degeneration may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel mouse model that mimics age-related choroidal neovascularization (CNV), a condition linked to wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) which can lead to blindness. By introducing specific genetic changes and environmental stressors, the researchers aim to replicate the conditions that contribute to CNV in humans. This model will allow for the testing of new therapies aimed at providing long-term benefits for patients suffering from AMD. The ultimate goal is to better understand the disease mechanisms and develop effective treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new therapies that provide long-term relief from age-related macular degeneration.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using animal models to study age-related eye diseases, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt
Farmington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fong, Guo-Hua — University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt
- Study coordinator: Fong, Guo-Hua
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Mapping the full range of human genome structure variations
Researchers are building better maps of the big and small differences in human DNA to improve precision medicine.
-
Understanding the full spectrum of structural genetic variation in human genomes
Scientists are improving how we detect complex DNA changes across many human genomes to advance precision medicine.
-
Mapping all kinds of genetic differences in human genomes to improve precision medicine
A national researchers team is creating better ways to find and understand big genetic differences in human DNA to help doctors tailor care.
-
Total Worker Health program for safer, healthier workplaces
A large, multi-year program aims to improve worker health and safety by addressing the whole work environment for people in real-world jobs.
-
Nfe2l3 helps retinal cells heal and may restore simple vision after optic nerve injuries
A scientist at a major university studies how a protein called Nfe2l3 could help retinal nerve cells regrow their axons and potentially restore basic vision after optic nerve injuries.
-
Nfe2l3-driven protection and optic nerve repair for vision
This grant explores how a protein called Nfe2l3 might help retinal nerve cells repair damaged optic nerves to restore simple vision after injuries.
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.