Exploring the protective effects of flavonoids on eye diseases that cause blindness
Official title: Novel neuroprotective activities of flavonoids against retinal degenerative diseases
Funded at Case Western Reserve University · NIH-11091571 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a natural compound called quercetin might help protect your eyesight by stabilizing important proteins in the eye, with the hope of finding new treatments for people with retinitis pigmentosa, a condition that can lead to blindness.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $466,900 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY032874-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11091571 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa or other retinal degenerative diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with retinal conditions unrelated to rhodopsin mutations may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how flavonoids, particularly quercetin, can protect against retinal degenerative diseases like retinitis pigmentosa (RP), which leads to blindness. The study will evaluate the effectiveness of quercetin in stabilizing mutated rhodopsin proteins that are crucial for vision. Researchers will conduct experiments both in laboratory settings and in mouse models to assess how these compounds can improve retinal health and potentially reverse the effects of RP. The goal is to identify safe and effective treatments for patients suffering from this condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options for patients with retinitis pigmentosa, potentially preserving or restoring vision.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with flavonoids in ocular health, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jastrzebska, Beata — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Jastrzebska, Beata
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.