Inflammation in MERTK-related retinitis pigmentosa
Official title: Inflammation in MERTK-dependent retinitis pigmentosa
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-11494188 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project aims to understand whether losing the MERTK gene causes retinal inflammation that leads to vision loss in people with MERTK-related retinitis pigmentosa.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $640,479 |
| NIH project number | 7R01EY034003-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11494188 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with genetically confirmed MERTK-related retinitis pigmentosa would be the most relevant group to follow these findings or consider future related trials.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose retinal disease is caused by other genes or who already have extensive, irreversible retinal damage are less likely to benefit from findings focused specifically on MERTK pathways.
What this research studies
The researchers use specially engineered mouse models that lack the Mertk gene to look at what happens in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). They compare different genetic models to see whether inflammation in the RPE appears before photoreceptor damage or after debris builds up. The team examines immune signals, phagocytosis of photoreceptor outer segments, and how other related genes like Tyro3 influence inflammation. Their goal is to determine whether loss of MERTK anti-inflammatory signaling is a primary driver of degeneration rather than just a failure of debris clearance.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If inflammation driven by MERTK loss proves to cause degeneration, this could point to anti-inflammatory or immune-targeted therapies to slow or prevent vision loss in MERTK-related RP.
How similar studies have gone: Prior animal research showed MERTK loss causes defective phagocytosis and some models developed degeneration, but the focus on primary RPE inflammation as the driving cause is a newer idea being tested here.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rothlin, Carla — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Rothlin, Carla
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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.