How tissue stiffness and genetics affect cell changes in age-related macular degeneration
Role of Matrix Stiffness and Genetic Risk Factors in AMD-Associated Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF IOWA · NIH-11309688
This project looks at whether stiffer tissue and certain genes make eye support cells change in ways that lead to age-related macular degeneration.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF IOWA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (IOWA CITY, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11309688 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will grow human retinal pigment epithelial and choroidal endothelial cells in the lab and change the stiffness of the surrounding material to mimic aging eye tissue. They will use human-derived cells and ex vivo eye tissue to see whether stiffer environments trigger cells to become more migratory, proliferative, and fibrotic. The team will study the signaling pathways that link mechanical stiffness and genetic risk factors to these cell changes. Findings will guide development of drugs that could block harmful changes early in AMD.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with early-stage (dry) age-related macular degeneration or individuals willing to donate blood or eye tissue for research and genetic testing.
Not a fit: People with advanced, irreversible vision loss from late-stage geographic atrophy or long-standing neovascular (wet) AMD may not receive direct benefit from this basic research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to stop or slow early AMD by targeting the cell signaling pathways triggered by tissue stiffening.
How similar studies have performed: Studies in other organs have shown that increased tissue stiffness can drive harmful cell changes, but applying this approach to AMD is relatively new and not yet proven in patients.
Where this research is happening
IOWA CITY, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF IOWA — IOWA CITY, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: WORTHINGTON, KRISTAN SORENSON — UNIVERSITY OF IOWA
- Study coordinator: WORTHINGTON, KRISTAN SORENSON
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.