CRISPR-based approach to slow vision loss in macular degeneration
Official title: MSPP Application for MD/PhD in Neurodegenerative Disease Research
Funded at University of South Florida · NIH-11408663 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A doctor-scientist team at a US university is testing a CRISPR/Cas9 strategy to modify a gene (NRL) in retinal cells to slow vision loss from age-related macular degeneration.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tampa, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2025 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $55,114 |
| NIH project number | 5FM1EY038845-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11408663 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with age-related macular degeneration who are eligible for gene-based research and treatment trials.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without AMD or those not meeting trial criteria may not benefit from this specific approach.
What this research studies
This project aims to use CRISPR/Cas9 to target the NRL gene in retinal cells, with the goal of shifting cell development to preserve vision in people with age-related macular degeneration. The study outlines a gene-based approach designed to slow cone and rod cell damage that leads to blindness, explored in a controlled research setting. If successful, it could pave the way for new therapies that protect vision for patients affected by AMD. The research is conducted at the University of South Florida under the supervision of Megan Synvie LY and runs from 2025 to 2029.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could slow vision loss for people with age-related macular degeneration and broaden future treatment options.
How similar studies have gone: CRISPR-based strategies for retinal diseases are being explored, with early promising findings but still in early clinical stages.
Where this research is happening
-
University of South Florida
Tampa, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ly, Megan Synvie — University of South Florida
- Study coordinator: Ly, Megan Synvie
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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.