How the protein FGF21 may link RPE cell energy failure to vision loss
FGF21 as a mediator of RPE mitochondrial dysfunction
This project looks at whether changing levels of the protein FGF21 can prevent or reduce retinal cell damage that contributes to age-related macular degeneration.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11285462 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team uses mouse models with targeted mitochondrial damage in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) to see how FGF21 signals between RPE cells and photoreceptors. They will raise or lower FGF21 levels genetically and with treatments, then measure retinal structure and function over time. Lab studies on RPE cells will probe the molecular steps by which FGF21 spreads stress signals to neighboring retinal tissue. Together these approaches aim to reveal whether FGF21 drives damage and whether blocking or replacing it can protect vision.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with early or intermediate age-related macular degeneration or inherited retinal conditions linked to mitochondrial problems would be most connected to this line of work.
Not a fit: Patients with unrelated eye conditions or those with very advanced, end-stage vision loss are unlikely to benefit directly from these preclinical experiments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify FGF21 as a new target to slow or prevent photoreceptor loss in AMD and related retinal diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Prior lab studies in other tissues and early mouse work suggest FGF21 can affect cell survival, but translating this to human retinal therapy is still unproven.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vollrath, Douglas E. — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Vollrath, Douglas E.
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.