Ferrochelatase: a new target to block abnormal eye blood vessel growth
Official title: Ferrochelatase as a mediator of ocular angiogenesis
Funded at University of Toronto · NIH-11307570 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A scientist is studying a gene called FECH to understand how to stop unwanted blood vessel growth in diseases like age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Toronto NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Toronto, Canada) |
| Project start | March 1, 2016 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $305,695 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY025641-09 |
| Project ID | NIH-11307570 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with neovascular eye diseases such as AMD, diabetic retinopathy, or retinopathy of prematurity could benefit from future treatments stemming from this research.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without neovascular eye diseases may not directly benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This project looks at ferrochelatase (FECH), a key enzyme in making heme, and how it affects the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the eye. The team investigates how FECH activity influences energy production and metabolism in retinal cells, with the goal of slowing or stopping dangerous neovascularization. Building on prior findings, they will delve into the mechanisms by which FECH links heme synthesis to glycolysis and endothelial cell behavior, and they will test a drug-like FECH inhibitor in lab and animal models. The ultimate aim is to identify a new, targeted approach to treat or prevent vision loss from neovascular eye diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new therapies that more effectively prevent or reduce vision loss from retinal diseases by stopping abnormal blood vessel growth.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies showed FECH involvement in ocular neovascularization and antiangiogenic effects of FECH inhibition in models, suggesting potential for translation.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Toronto
Toronto, Canada Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Corson, Timothy W — University of Toronto
- Study coordinator: Corson, Timothy W
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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.