Epigenetics and retinal pigment cell changes in early age-related macular degeneration
The role of epigenetics in RPE heterogeneity with early AMD
Researchers are looking at how gene-controlling changes in retinal pigment cells may drive early age-related macular degeneration and point to ways to prevent or treat it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11128509 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
I have early age-related macular degeneration and this research focuses on the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells that help keep my retina healthy. The team will compare chromatin accessibility and gene activity in RPE cells using techniques like ATAC-seq and RNA-seq and will work with donor eye tissue and patient-derived iPS cells. They will study how exposures such as smoking change chromatin regulators and create harmful cell subgroups. By pinpointing which epigenetic changes make some RPE cells pathogenic, researchers hope to identify targets to stop early AMD from progressing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with early-stage age-related macular degeneration who can provide clinical information, biospecimens (such as blood or donated eye tissue), or visit Johns Hopkins for evaluations are the most likely candidates to participate.
Not a fit: People with advanced late-stage AMD or unrelated eye diseases are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this early laboratory-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify epigenetic targets to prevent or slow early AMD by correcting harmful changes in retinal cells.
How similar studies have performed: Previous lab studies using ATAC-seq and RNA-seq have linked chromatin changes to RPE gene activity, but turning those molecular findings into effective treatments for patients is still largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Handa, James T — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Handa, James T
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.