How L-serine affects blood vessel growth in the eyes of premature infants
Serine control of retinal neovascularization in retinopathy
This study is looking at whether giving a special amino acid called L-serine can help prevent harmful blood vessel growth in the eyes of premature babies with a condition called retinopathy of prematurity, which can lead to blindness.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11075229 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of L-serine, an amino acid, in preventing abnormal blood vessel growth in the eyes of premature infants suffering from retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). The study will utilize a mouse model to explore whether L-serine supplementation can inhibit retinal neovascularization, which is a significant cause of blindness in these infants. By understanding how L-serine influences retinal glial cells and their production of angiogenic factors, the research aims to identify new treatment strategies for ROP. The approach focuses on early amino acid supplementation to improve health outcomes in vulnerable infants.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are premature infants, particularly those born at low gestational ages who are at high risk for developing retinopathy of prematurity.
Not a fit: Patients who are not premature or do not have retinopathy of prematurity may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options that prevent blindness in premature infants by addressing the underlying causes of ROP.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary findings in animal models suggest that L-serine supplementation may effectively prevent retinal neovascularization, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston Children's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fu, Zhongjie — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Fu, Zhongjie
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.