How a complement protein (Factor H) affects age-related macular degeneration
Molecular Genetics of a Complement Factor H homolog
This work looks at whether changes in a protein called complement factor H explain how age-related macular degeneration develops in older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11142475 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You should know that the team uses a tiny roundworm (C. elegans) with a protein similar to human factor H to learn how changes in that protein might harm retinal cells. They study how the protein binds to sugars on cell surfaces, how a common variant called Y402H changes that interaction, and how those changes affect cell structures important for sensing and cleanup. By comparing worm experiments with human genetic and tissue findings, the researchers aim to connect these molecular events to drusen formation and inflammation seen in AMD. This basic lab work is intended to point to biological targets that could guide future tests or treatments to slow vision loss.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Older adults with age-related macular degeneration, especially people known to carry the CFH Y402H genetic variant, would be most relevant to follow or contribute to related future studies.
Not a fit: People without AMD or whose vision loss is caused by unrelated conditions (for example advanced glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy) are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new biological targets for therapies or tests to help prevent or slow age-related macular degeneration.
How similar studies have performed: Genetic studies previously linked the CFH Y402H variant to AMD risk, but functional evidence is limited and using a worm homolog to probe mechanism is a relatively novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- University of Maryland Baltimore — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vogel, Bruce E — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Vogel, Bruce E
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 below.