How a specific enzyme affects protein health in the retina and its role in eye diseases
Official title: Regulation of retinal homeostasis and disease by Fic-mediated AMPylation
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-10741035 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special enzyme called Fic helps keep proteins healthy in eye cells, which could lead to new ways to prevent or treat vision loss from diseases like diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $451,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R21EY034597-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10741035 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from retinal diseases such as diabetic retinopathy or glaucoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with retinal conditions unrelated to protein misfolding or the UPR may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a specific enzyme called Fic in regulating protein health within retinal cells. By focusing on the unfolded protein response (UPR), which is activated when proteins misfold, the study aims to understand how chronic activation of this response can lead to retinal diseases like diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. The researchers will explore how Fic modifies the UPR to potentially identify new therapeutic targets for treating these conditions. Patients may benefit from insights gained about preventing or treating vision loss associated with retinal degeneration.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent vision loss in patients with retinal degenerative diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting the UPR can lead to significant advancements in treating retinal diseases, indicating a promising avenue for this investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Casey, Amanda Kathleen — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Casey, Amanda Kathleen
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.