How aging and stress change retinal pigment cells in macular degeneration
Does age/stress-induced mitochondrial dysfunction induce variations in RPE phenotype in AMD?
['FUNDING_R01'] · TULANE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA · NIH-11248401
Researchers are looking at whether aging and smoking-related stress damage the energy centers in retinal pigment cells and cause cell changes that contribute to age-related macular degeneration.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | TULANE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW ORLEANS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11248401 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project looks at how mitochondrial (energy-making) damage in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells from aging or cigarette-smoke stress creates harmful subgroups of cells that may drive AMD. The team uses lab-grown RPE cells and mouse models, including mice lacking the mitochondrial enzyme PGAM5, and exposes cells to cigarette smoke condensate to mimic stress. They measure mitochondrial function, reactive oxygen species, ATP, mitophagy, and signaling pathways such as AMPK/mTOR to see which cells become senescent or undergo epithelial-mesenchymal changes. The goal is to link specific mitochondrial problems to the focal RPE changes seen in AMD so that future therapies can target those mechanisms.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with early or atrophic age-related macular degeneration, older adults, and current or former smokers would be most relevant to this research.
Not a fit: People without AMD, those with complete late-stage retinal cell loss, or whose disease is driven solely by unrelated genetic causes may not directly benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new molecular targets to prevent or slow vision loss from AMD related to aging and smoking.
How similar studies have performed: Previous lab and animal studies have shown mitochondrial dysfunction can cause RPE changes and senescence, but translating those findings into treatments for people is still largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
NEW ORLEANS, UNITED STATES
- TULANE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA — NEW ORLEANS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: WANG, SHUSHENG — TULANE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
- Study coordinator: WANG, SHUSHENG
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.
Conditions: Cancers