Improving cone cell survival in retinal degeneration

Therapeutic Editing of Rod Glycolysis Rescues Retinal Degeneration

NIH-funded research Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11042742

This study is looking at whether improving the energy production in light-sensitive cells in the eye can help protect them from damage in people with retinitis pigmentosa, using a special mouse model to test out a possible gene therapy that might slow down vision loss.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionColumbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11042742 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how enhancing aerobic glycolysis in cone photoreceptors can help them survive in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a common inherited retinal disease. The study will use a genetic mouse model to explore whether boosting the metabolism of these cells can protect them from degeneration. Additionally, it will assess the potential of gene therapy to slow down the loss of photoreceptors and evaluate the safety of this treatment approach. The goal is to better understand and potentially improve the health of retinal cells in individuals affected by RP.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, particularly those experiencing early stages of cone cell degeneration.

Not a fit: Patients with retinal degeneration caused by factors other than retinitis pigmentosa may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that preserve vision in patients with retinitis pigmentosa.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using metabolic approaches to protect retinal cells, indicating potential for success in this novel application.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.