Energy use by photoreceptors and their support cells
Determinants of Rod and Cone Response Characteristics
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON · NIH-11160667
This project looks at how photoreceptors and the retinal pigment epithelium use sugars and other fuels to keep the retina healthy, which matters for people with retinal degeneration.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SEATTLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11160667 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will measure how retina cells and the supporting RPE/choroid use glucose and alternative fuels both in tissue samples and in living mice by delivering 13C-labeled fuels through a vein catheter. They will compare normal and degenerated retinas and use mice missing specific metabolic enzymes to see where metabolic steps back up or fail. The team will combine biochemical flux measurements from explants with in vivo tracing to test whether the retina and RPE act as a linked metabolic ecosystem. The work builds on prior lab studies and collaborations to map fuel flow that could underlie retinal degeneration.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with inherited or age-related retinal degeneration who are interested in research aimed at metabolic approaches to preserve vision.
Not a fit: People whose vision loss stems from optic nerve disease or from long-standing complete loss of photoreceptors are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this metabolic research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reveal metabolic targets or therapies to protect photoreceptors and slow vision loss in retinal degenerations.
How similar studies have performed: Previous cell and tissue-explant studies showed marked metabolic differences between retina and RPE, but confirming those interactions with 13C tracing in living animals is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
SEATTLE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON — SEATTLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HURLEY, JAMES BRYANT — UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
- Study coordinator: HURLEY, JAMES BRYANT
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.