Finding new drugs to protect vision in zebrafish models of retinitis pigmentosa
Official title: Drug Screening for Neuroprotectants in Novel Zebrafish Models of Retinitis Pigmentosa
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11314801 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for ways to help protect the eye cells that are damaged in retinitis pigmentosa, a condition that causes vision loss, by testing different drugs on specially modified zebrafish that act like this disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $291,964 |
| NIH project number | 7R01EY032533-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11314801 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa or those at risk of developing this condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of retinal degeneration not related to retinitis pigmentosa may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates ways to protect photoreceptor cells in the retina from dying in a condition known as retinitis pigmentosa, which leads to vision loss. Using genetically modified zebrafish that mimic this disease, researchers will conduct large-scale drug screenings to identify potential neuroprotective compounds. The zebrafish models allow for easy monitoring of cell health and drug effects, providing a promising platform for discovering effective treatments. The study aims to understand the mechanisms of cell death and explore existing drugs that could be repurposed for this condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that slow down or prevent vision loss in patients with retinitis pigmentosa.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research using zebrafish models has shown promise in drug discovery for various diseases, indicating a potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Liyun — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Liyun
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.
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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.