Improving vision in diabetic patients by transferring mitochondria
Official title: Correction of diabetic retinopathy by mitochondrial transfer
Funded at University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr · NIH-11264298 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how delivering healthy mitochondria from special cells can help improve energy in the eye cells of people with diabetic retinopathy, with the hope of preventing further damage and keeping their eyes healthier.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oklahoma City, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $554,407 |
| NIH project number | 7R01EY034133-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11264298 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with diabetic retinopathy who are experiencing vision problems due to retinal vascular degeneration.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without diabetic retinopathy or those with other unrelated eye conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how transferring mitochondria can help restore energy function in retinal cells affected by diabetic retinopathy (DR). The approach focuses on using CD34+ cells, which are important for repairing blood vessels, to deliver healthy mitochondria to damaged retinal cells. By enhancing the bioenergetics of these cells, the research aims to prevent further degeneration of retinal blood vessels and improve overall eye health in diabetic patients. The study builds on previous findings that show mitochondrial transfer can rescue cells from damage and dysfunction.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly improve vision and quality of life for patients with diabetic retinopathy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using mitochondrial transfer to improve cell function, suggesting that this approach could be effective for treating diabetic retinopathy.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr
Oklahoma City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Proshlyakov, Denis a — University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr
- Study coordinator: Proshlyakov, Denis a
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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.