NIH-funded research Career grant

Investigating a key enzyme in eye disease-related scarring

Official title: RPE PFKFB3 in subretinal fibrosis

Funded at Augusta University · NIH-10912760 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how a certain enzyme affects the growth of scar tissue in the eye that can cause vision loss for people with age-related macular degeneration, and it hopes to find new ways to prevent this scarring and help keep your vision healthy.

More Fibrosis research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionAugusta University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Augusta, United States)
Project startSeptember 1, 2023
Project endAugust 31, 2025
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$115,471
NIH project number5K99EY034577-02
Project IDNIH-10912760 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with neovascular age-related macular degeneration who are experiencing or at risk of developing subretinal fibrosis.

Less likely to help

Patients with other forms of macular degeneration or those without any retinal conditions may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how a specific enzyme, PFKFB3, contributes to the development of subretinal fibrosis, a condition that can lead to severe vision loss in patients with age-related macular degeneration. The study aims to explore the metabolic pathways involved in this process, particularly how certain cells in the eye become activated and contribute to scarring. By examining the role of glycolysis and the behavior of retinal pigment epithelium cells, the research seeks to identify potential therapeutic strategies to inhibit this fibrosis and preserve vision.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent or reduce vision loss caused by subretinal fibrosis.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting metabolic pathways in other fibrotic conditions, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

  • Augusta University
    Augusta, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Yang, Qiuhua — Augusta University
  • Study coordinator: Yang, Qiuhua

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.