Improving cone cell survival in retinal degeneration
Official title: Therapeutic Editing of Rod Glycolysis Rescues Retinal Degeneration
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11042742 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 14, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F31EY033660-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11042742 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, particularly those experiencing early stages of cone cell degeneration.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with retinal degeneration caused by factors other than retinitis pigmentosa may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nolan, Nicholas David — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Nolan, Nicholas David
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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.