How glucose affects retinal health and vision loss
Official title: Solute Transporters and Retinal Health
Funded at Thomas Jefferson University · NIH-11050381 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how glucose affects the health of the retina, especially for people with age-related macular degeneration, to see if understanding how retinal cells handle glucose can help find new ways to prevent vision loss.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Thomas Jefferson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $595,302 |
| NIH project number | 1R01EY035772-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11050381 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who are experiencing age-related vision issues or conditions like macular degeneration.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with retinal conditions unrelated to glucose metabolism or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of glucose in maintaining the health of the retina, particularly in relation to age-related macular degeneration and other blinding disorders. By using mouse models, the study aims to understand how glucose deprivation impacts retinal cells and whether certain cells in the retina can effectively manage glucose levels. The research will explore the mechanisms of glucose transport and its implications for photoreceptor function, which is crucial for vision. The findings could lead to new treatment strategies aimed at preventing vision loss in affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that help preserve vision in patients suffering from age-related macular degeneration and other retinal diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding retinal metabolism, but this specific approach to glucose transport in the retina is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Philp, Nancy Jean — Thomas Jefferson University
- Study coordinator: Philp, Nancy Jean
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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.