Enhancing energy production in eye cells to slow down vision loss
Official title: A modified arrestin1 to enhance glycolysis in photoreceptors as a therapeutic approach to slowing retinal degeneration
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-10997368 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a way to help the cells in your eyes that are important for seeing by boosting their energy production, which could help slow down vision loss from certain genetic eye conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $378,335 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY035768-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10997368 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with inherited retinal degenerative diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with retinal degeneration caused by non-genetic factors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a method to increase energy production in the photoreceptor cells of the retina, which are crucial for vision. By modifying a protein called arrestin1, the researchers aim to boost glycolysis, a process that generates energy, in both rod and cone photoreceptors. The study will explore how this enhancement can slow down retinal degeneration caused by various genetic defects. Patients may benefit from this approach as it could lead to new treatments for inherited retinal diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new therapeutic strategy to slow down vision loss in patients with retinal degeneration.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in enhancing glycolysis to improve photoreceptor function in animal models, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Smith, W Clay — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Smith, W Clay
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.