Finding a new way to measure energy in the eyes of patients with retinitis pigmentosa
Official title: Mitigating retinitis pigmentosa based on a non-invasive rod energy-landscape biomarker
Funded at Wayne State University · NIH-10931516 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how we can better understand and treat retinitis pigmentosa by using a special imaging technique to see how well the cells in your retina are working, which could help doctors create more personalized treatment plans for you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wayne State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Detroit, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $494,721 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY034309-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10931516 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, particularly those experiencing vision loss.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with retinitis pigmentosa who are not experiencing any symptoms or have advanced stages of the disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a condition that causes progressive vision loss and blindness due to the death of light-sensitive cells in the retina. The study aims to develop a non-invasive biomarker that can assess mitochondrial performance in patients, which is crucial for understanding the disease's progression and tailoring treatments. By using optical coherence tomography (OCT), researchers will analyze changes in the inner segment ellipsoid zone (ISez) of the retina under different light conditions. This innovative approach seeks to provide a more personalized understanding of RP, moving away from a one-size-fits-all treatment strategy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment strategies for patients with retinitis pigmentosa.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using OCT to assess mitochondrial performance is innovative, similar methodologies have shown promise in other areas of retinal research.
Where this research is happening
-
Wayne State University
Detroit, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Berkowitz, Bruce a. — Wayne State University
- Study coordinator: Berkowitz, Bruce a.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Inflammation in MERTK-related retinitis pigmentosa
This project aims to understand whether losing the MERTK gene causes retinal inflammation that leads to vision loss in people with MERTK-related retinitis pigmentosa.
-
Enhancing cone survival in RP through targeted cell-specific CRISPR therapy
A patient-friendly look at a new approach to protect cone cells in retinitis pigmentosa using precise gene editing to support vision.
-
Oral, once-daily MC16 medicine for retinitis pigmentosa
A gene-mutation-agnostic pill (MC16) is being studied to help people with retinitis pigmentosa by addressing a common cellular problem in the eye.
-
Role of IPM Proteoglycans in Retinal Health and Inherited Blindness
This grant studies how specific retinal extracellular matrix proteins (IMPG1 and IMPG2) affect eye health and contribute to retinitis pigmentosa, with potential implications for people who have or are at risk for inherited blindness.
-
NAC Attack: a late-stage trial for preserving vision in RP patients
A large, multi-site study is testing whether taking a daily NAC pill can help people with retinitis pigmentosa keep more of their vision.
-
Non-invasive biomarker for mitochondria health in retinitis pigmentosa
Aims to test a new, non-invasive OCT-based biomarker to explain and predict how mitochondria function affects cone cells in people with retinitis pigmentosa.
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.