How IMPG1 and IMPG2 proteins affect retinal health and retinitis pigmentosa
Role of Interphotoreceptor Matrix Proteoglycans in Retinal Homeostasis and Retinitis Pigmentosa
This project looks at whether defects in two eye proteins (IMPG1 and IMPG2) disrupt nutrient flow between retinal cells, cause childhood- or adult-onset retinitis pigmentosa, and whether gene therapy can help.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | West Virginia University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Morgantown, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11176944 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, researchers are studying two proteins that sit between light-sensing cells and the supporting retinal pigment epithelium and help move nutrients and support vision. They will use mouse models that lack these proteins or carry human-like IMPG2 mutations and track nutrient movement with fluorescent markers and labeled glucose to see how loss or truncation damages photoreceptors. The team will also test gene therapy approaches in those models to try to prevent or slow degeneration caused by IMPG2 mutations. The goal is to explain why some people get early-onset disease while others get adult-onset RP and to guide future treatments for affected patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with a confirmed IMPG1 or IMPG2 genetic mutation or a diagnosis of retinitis pigmentosa suspected to be caused by these genes would be the most relevant candidates for future patient-facing work.
Not a fit: Patients whose vision loss is due to other genes, age-related macular degeneration, or non-genetic causes are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to gene therapies or other treatments to slow or prevent vision loss in people with IMPG1/2-linked retinitis pigmentosa.
How similar studies have performed: Gene therapy has worked for some inherited retinal diseases (for example, RPE65-related blindness), but applying these approaches to IMPG1/2 is largely new and less-tested.
Where this research is happening
Morgantown, United States
- West Virginia University — Morgantown, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Salido, Ezequiel Martin — West Virginia University
- Study coordinator: Salido, Ezequiel Martin
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.