Finding new causes of retinitis pigmentosa using metabolic and protein analysis
Official title: Identification of novel contributors to retinitis pigmentosa using metabolic and proteomic approaches
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10694148 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how retinitis pigmentosa affects the eyes at a molecular level in mice, hoping to find clues that could lead to new treatments for people with this condition before they experience serious vision loss.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $565,384 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY032089-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10694148 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa or those with a family history of the condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of retinal degeneration unrelated to retinitis pigmentosa may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the early molecular mechanisms behind retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a condition that leads to progressive vision loss and blindness. By comparing a specific genetic mouse model of RP with normal mice, the researchers aim to identify key metabolic and proteomic changes that occur before significant cell death and vision impairment. The study utilizes advanced techniques such as metabolomics and proteomics to uncover potential therapeutic targets that could help in treating this debilitating condition. Patients may benefit from insights gained into the disease's progression and potential new treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic targets for treating retinitis pigmentosa, potentially preserving vision for affected patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in identifying metabolic changes in other retinal diseases, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights for retinitis pigmentosa as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Weiss, Ellen Ruth — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Weiss, Ellen Ruth
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.