Investigating a new gene related to age-related macular degeneration
Official title: Nuclear encoded Humanin Isoforms and Mitochondria in Age-related Macular Degeneration
Funded at State University of New York at Buffalo · NIH-11062896 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a specific gene that might be important in understanding how age-related macular degeneration (AMD) develops, with the hope that what they learn could help create better treatments for people dealing with this eye condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University of New York at Buffalo NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Amherst, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $240,713 |
| NIH project number | 1R21EY035810-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11062896 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing early signs of age-related macular degeneration.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced stages of age-related macular degeneration who are already receiving treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness in older adults. The study aims to identify a novel gene, MTRNR2L1, which may play a crucial role in the disease's progression. By examining how this gene is affected by factors like oxidative stress and inflammation, researchers hope to uncover new treatment targets. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to improved therapies for preventing or managing AMD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options that prevent the onset of advanced age-related macular degeneration.
How similar studies have gone: While this approach is novel, previous research has shown promise in targeting molecular pathways related to AMD.
Where this research is happening
-
State University of New York at Buffalo
Amherst, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Sarah X — State University of New York at Buffalo
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Sarah X
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
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-
Active cycling program to support vision and daily living in Veterans with AMD
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-
Transplanting stem-cell–derived retinal cells to treat dry AMD
A medical team is testing a stem cell therapy to replace damaged retinal cells in adults with dry age-related macular degeneration.
-
RPESC-derived RPE Transplant for Dry AMD in adults
A new cell-based therapy derived from RPESCs is being tested to help adults with dry age-related macular degeneration regain vision.
-
New high-resolution OCT biomarkers to map early AMD changes
A new imaging approach using advanced OCT methods will help doctors see early changes in age-related macular degeneration to guide treatment and improve quality of life for older adults.
-
Targeting inflammation in age-related macular degeneration
Aims to understand how inflammation drives age-related macular degeneration in people and explore new targets to slow or stop vision loss.
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.