How aging affects the retinal cells that support central vision
Official title: Histone Expression in the Aging RPE
Funded at East Tennessee State University · NIH-11249979 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This work looks at whether falling levels of histone proteins in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells contribute to age-related macular degeneration in older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | East Tennessee State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Johnson City, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $510,387 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY036138-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11249979 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be older adults with early or atrophic age-related macular degeneration or people willing to donate eye tissue for research.
✕Less likely to help
People with vision loss from causes unrelated to AMD or those seeking immediate treatment are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this research.
What this research studies
Researchers will examine how proteins called histones, which help package DNA and control gene activity, change in RPE cells as eyes age. They will measure histone levels and chemical tags on histones in RPE tissue and cell models and link those changes to gene activity and cell survival. The team will test whether lost or altered histones lead to RPE cell death patterns seen in AMD and whether restoring histone levels or modifications can protect cells. Results aim to reveal molecular signs of RPE aging that could point to ways to slow or prevent vision loss.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new targets to slow or prevent RPE cell loss and vision decline in age-related macular degeneration.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown age-related changes in histone levels in some tissues, but applying these findings specifically to the RPE and AMD is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
-
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kleinman, Mark E — East Tennessee State University
- Study coordinator: Kleinman, Mark E
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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.