How the TBX3 gene affects blood vessel growth in the retina
Official title: The role of Tbx3 in retinal angiogenesis and eye disease
Funded at Upstate Medical University · NIH-11345644 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This work explores whether changes in the TBX3 gene change how retinal blood vessels form in people with conditions like retinopathy of prematurity and familial exudative vitreoretinopathy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Upstate Medical University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Syracuse, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $417,745 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY033910-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11345644 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with hypovascular retinal conditions such as retinopathy of prematurity, familial exudative vitreoretinopathy, or other retinal vascular disorders, and those known to have TBX3-related genetic changes, would be most relevant to this work.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with eye conditions not caused by retinal vascular problems (for example, cataract without vascular disease or primarily pressure-related glaucoma) may not receive direct benefit from these findings.
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, researchers will use laboratory models to follow how TBX3 controls interactions between retinal neurons and the cells that make blood vessels. They will look at three cell types—retinal ganglion cells, dopaminergic amacrine cells, and astrocytes—to see how TBX3 influences signals that guide vessel growth. Experiments include genetic knockout models and molecular analysis of signaling pathways such as Sonic Hedgehog to pinpoint the steps that fail when vessels do not form properly. The goal is to link those findings back to human retinal diseases that cause underdeveloped or abnormal blood vessels.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal molecular targets that lead to new treatments to restore normal retinal blood vessel growth and prevent vision loss in people with hypovascular retinal diseases.
How similar studies have gone: While prior research has linked developmental and signaling pathways to retinal vessel growth, the specific role of TBX3 in retinal angiogenesis is largely novel and has not yet been translated into patient treatments.
Where this research is happening
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Upstate Medical University
Syracuse, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Viczian, Andrea S — Upstate Medical University
- Study coordinator: Viczian, Andrea S
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.