Investigating a cholesterol enzyme's role in eye diseases
Official title: Myeloid ACAT1 in ischemic retinopathy
Funded at Augusta University · NIH-11012329 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a certain enzyme in immune cells affects eye diseases like ischemic retinopathy, and by using mouse models, researchers hope to find out how high cholesterol levels can lead to problems like abnormal blood vessel growth and nerve damage in the retina, which could help develop new treatments for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Augusta University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Augusta, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $385,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY035683-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11012329 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for ischemic retinopathy, particularly those with conditions that lead to retinal ischemia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-ischemic eye conditions or those not experiencing retinal vascular issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how a specific enzyme, ACAT1, in myeloid cells contributes to eye diseases like ischemic retinopathy. By studying mouse models, the researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms behind abnormal blood vessel growth and nerve damage in the retina. The project will explore how increased cholesterol levels in these cells affect inflammation and may lead to further complications in eye health. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new treatments targeting this enzyme.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for preventing or treating vision loss associated with ischemic retinopathy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in targeting similar pathways in other diseases, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
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Augusta University
Augusta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Caldwell, Ruth B — Augusta University
- Study coordinator: Caldwell, Ruth B
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.