How ADAM9 affects retinal health and inherited vision loss
The role of ADAM9 in retinal health and disease
This work looks at how mutations in the ADAM9 gene cause photoreceptor damage in people and dogs with inherited retinal disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11166683 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are trying to understand why changes in the ADAM9 gene lead to photoreceptor degeneration and vision loss by examining the interface between photoreceptor outer segments and the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). They will use genetically modified mice together with findings from affected dogs and humans to study buildup of material in the interphotoreceptor matrix and test whether ADAM9 acts as a protein-cutting enzyme or as a cell adhesion molecule. The project applies detailed tissue studies and advanced proteomics to identify proteins and changes in the interphotoreceptor space. Early phases include mentored training in these techniques that the investigator will apply in later independent experiments to pinpoint disease mechanisms.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with inherited retinal degeneration linked to ADAM9 mutations and dog patients with the same genetic problem are the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Patients whose vision loss is due to unrelated causes or who have very advanced, irreversible degeneration may not directly benefit from this mechanistic research in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal how ADAM9 mutations cause retinal degeneration and point to targets for treatments to slow or prevent vision loss.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work in mice and affected dogs has shown ADAM9 loss disrupts the photoreceptor–RPE interface, while applying proteomics to define the exact molecular changes is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
Birmingham, United States
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lewis, Tylor Robert — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Lewis, Tylor Robert
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.