How mitochondria affect vision loss after brain injuries
Official title: Mitochondria: controllers of trauma-induced secondary neurodegeneration onset
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-10905349 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how brain injuries can affect vision by damaging the nerves that connect the eyes to the brain, and it aims to find ways to protect and improve vision for people who have experienced these injuries, like those with indirect traumatic optic neuropathy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $477,794 |
| NIH project number | 1R01EY036252-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10905349 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have suffered a traumatic brain injury and are at risk for vision loss due to indirect traumatic optic neuropathy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced a traumatic brain injury or those with other unrelated vision issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of mitochondria in secondary neurodegeneration that occurs after traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and its impact on vision loss. It focuses on a specific condition known as indirect traumatic optic neuropathy (ITON), which can lead to permanent vision loss in some patients. By studying mouse models, the research aims to identify the timing and mechanisms of secondary axon degeneration and explore potential therapeutic interventions, such as vitamin E, to protect vision. The goal is to find effective treatments for patients suffering from vision loss due to brain trauma.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent vision loss in patients who have experienced traumatic brain injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in similar models, indicating that targeting mitochondrial dysfunction could be a viable approach to treating optic neuropathies.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rex, Tonia S — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Rex, Tonia S
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Improving healthcare for patients with inherited cancer syndromes using a web-based platform
This study is testing a new online tool called MeTree that helps people understand their risk for inherited cancer by combining their medical records and family health history, making it easier for patients and doctors to get the information they need for better care and support.
-
Stroke prevention with hydroxyurea for children with sickle cell anemia in Nigeria
A multinational, patient-facing study tests whether hydroxyurea can safely prevent first strokes in Nigerian children with sickle cell anemia.
-
Scaling Up Task-Shifted Epilepsy Care for Children in Africa
A study to help children with epilepsy in Africa get diagnosed and receive seizure care through trained community health workers.
-
Enhanced surveillance for new vaccine‑preventable diseases
A Vanderbilt team is tracking how well vaccines work and how diseases like flu, RSV, norovirus, and SARS‑CoV‑2 affect young children over time.
-
Generative AI to create private, fair health data for research
A researcher at Vanderbilt aims to use Generative AI to create synthetic health data that protects patient privacy while helping AI models be fairer and more accurate.
-
ConProject-003: A patient-facing initiative at Vanderbilt for advancing care
A Vanderbilt-led project (ConProject-003) is funded to drive improvements in care for people with a specific health condition through a dedicated program.
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.