Functionalized SARM1 nanobodies to protect vision in glaucoma
Official title: Development of functionalized SARM1 nanobodies for glaucoma
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11394606 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A research project aims to create specially engineered nanobodies that inhibit SARM1 to protect retinal cells and preserve vision in glaucoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $632,862 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY036458-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11394606 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with glaucoma or at risk of retinal nerve damage who may benefit from neuroprotection strategies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose disease is exclusively non-neurodegenerative or who cannot receive gene therapy approaches may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on glaucoma, a neurodegenerative eye disease, and uses genetically-encoded SARM1 inhibitors delivered by AAV to fight retinal nerve damage. Researchers will develop nanobody-based tools that can block SARM1 activity and serve as potential diagnostics and therapies. The work combines targeted protein inhibitors with gene delivery to test neuroprotective effects in animal models and pave the way for future clinical applications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with glaucoma could have new gene-delivered neuroprotective options to preserve vision.
How similar studies have gone: Prior similar approaches show promise in preclinical models, but this specific genetically-encoded SARM1 strategy in the eye is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Welsbie, Derek Stuart — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Welsbie, Derek Stuart
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
IOP and CSF Pressure in Glaucoma Risk
This grant studies how eye pressure and cerebrospinal fluid pressure together influence glaucoma risk and vision loss.
-
Comparing tube positions in glaucoma implants to protect corneal cells
This trial compares two tube placements for glaucoma drainage implants to see which better protects corneal cells and controls eye pressure in people with uncontrolled glaucoma.
-
Automated topographic test for glaucoma detection and progression
A new automated method uses topographic structure-function mapping to help diagnose glaucoma earlier and track its progression in patients.
-
Using AI on eye scans and genes to predict glaucoma risk
This project uses artificial intelligence on eye scans, vision tests, and genetic information to find people most likely to develop or have worsening glaucoma.
-
AI-based glaucoma screening in community health centers
A new, easy-to-use AI screening approach will be tested in federally funded health centers to help identify people at risk for glaucoma, especially in communities with higher risk.
-
Understanding how glaucoma genes control eye cell function
A long-term research project will study how genetic factors affect eye cells in adults with glaucoma to uncover new ideas for protecting vision.
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.