Intercellular communication in the retina: helping cells talk with tiny RNA messengers
Official title: Extracellular microRNA-mediated intercellular communication between retinal microglia and RPE
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-11528094 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to understand how small RNA messages pass between retinal support cells and immune-like cells to reduce inflammation and eye injury, using engineered cell-derived vesicles.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2026 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $521,803 |
| NIH project number | 7R01EY035855-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11528094 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with age-related macular degeneration or related aging-related retinal conditions could benefit from future therapies developed from this work.
✕Less likely to help
This research is preclinical and may not immediately benefit all patients, especially those without retinal inflammation or degenerative changes.
What this research studies
This project studies how extracellular microRNAs carried by vesicles from retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) to microglia influence retinal inflammation. It also explores engineering RPE-derived vesicles to deliver beneficial microRNA signals as a potential therapy for aging-related retinal damage. Researchers will use computational models to map how miRNAs regulate gene expression in microglia over time and under stress. The work builds on previous findings that certain miRNAs, like miR-204, can modulate lipid metabolism and microglial function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to new therapies that calm retinal inflammation and protect vision in age-related macular degeneration.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies show microRNA-carrying vesicles can modulate microglial function, with preliminary data supporting feasibility of this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cai, Jiyang — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Cai, Jiyang
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.