How light-sensing eye cells use sugar and what breaks down in macular degeneration
Regulators of Photoreceptor Aerobic Glycolysis in Retinal Health and Disease
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA HLTH SCIENCES CTR · NIH-11130986
This project looks at how light-sensitive cells in the retina use glucose and how changes in that process may contribute to age-related macular degeneration.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA HLTH SCIENCES CTR (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (OKLAHOMA CITY, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11130986 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
As someone affected by or worried about AMD, I would want to know how my photoreceptors (the retina's light-sensing cells) repurpose glucose to stay healthy and how that goes wrong in disease. The researchers will study two key enzymes, PKM2 and aldolase C, and how proteins like Src and PTP1B change their phosphorylation and activity using lab experiments on cells, animal models, and human retinal tissue. They will also examine antibodies found in AMD patient retinas and perform biochemical and molecular tests to map the signaling steps that control anabolic metabolism. The work aims to connect these molecular changes to retinal cell health and AMD-related damage.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with age-related macular degeneration, early macular changes, or older adults at high risk for AMD would be the most relevant candidates to follow or contribute to this research.
Not a fit: People without retinal disease or those with unrelated eye conditions are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this specific project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new biomarkers or molecular targets that lead to treatments to preserve or restore vision in AMD.
How similar studies have performed: Prior findings have identified anti-PKM2 and anti-ALDOC antibodies in AMD retinas and shown Src can phosphorylate PKM2, but directly linking these steps to AMD mechanisms is a novel aim.
Where this research is happening
OKLAHOMA CITY, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA HLTH SCIENCES CTR — OKLAHOMA CITY, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: RAJALA, RAJU VS — UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA HLTH SCIENCES CTR
- Study coordinator: RAJALA, RAJU VS
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.