How sex affects mitochondrial and epigenetic factors in age-related vision loss.
Official title: Impact of Sex on Mitochondrial and Epigenetic Mechanisms in Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Funded at State University of New York at Buffalo · NIH-11134035 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how being male or female might affect the way age-related macular degeneration (AMD) develops, especially in women over 60, to help find better treatments tailored to each person's needs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University of New York at Buffalo NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Amherst, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $547,898 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG093606-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11134035 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, particularly women over 60, who are at risk for or diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of vision loss unrelated to age-related macular degeneration may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of sex in the mechanisms that contribute to age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss, particularly in women over 60. The study aims to understand how mitochondrial and epigenetic factors differ between sexes and how these differences may influence the progression of AMD. By examining the biological underpinnings of this condition, the research seeks to identify potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets that could lead to improved treatments. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to personalized approaches in managing AMD based on their sex and genetic background.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better-targeted therapies for age-related macular degeneration, potentially preserving vision for many patients.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been progress in understanding genetic factors related to AMD, this specific focus on sex differences in mitochondrial and epigenetic mechanisms is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
State University of New York at Buffalo
Amherst, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Deangelis, Margaret M — State University of New York at Buffalo
- Study coordinator: Deangelis, Margaret M
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Active cycling program to support vision and daily living in Veterans with AMD
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-
Transplanting stem-cell–derived retinal cells to treat dry AMD
A medical team is testing a stem cell therapy to replace damaged retinal cells in adults with dry age-related macular degeneration.
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RPESC-derived RPE Transplant for Dry AMD in adults
A new cell-based therapy derived from RPESCs is being tested to help adults with dry age-related macular degeneration regain vision.
-
New high-resolution OCT biomarkers to map early AMD changes
A new imaging approach using advanced OCT methods will help doctors see early changes in age-related macular degeneration to guide treatment and improve quality of life for older adults.
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Targeting inflammation in age-related macular degeneration
Aims to understand how inflammation drives age-related macular degeneration in people and explore new targets to slow or stop vision loss.
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.