Investigating how an anti-aging molecule can protect the retina in diabetic patients
Official title: Anti-Aging Molecule Sirt6 in Neuroprotection in Diabetic Retina
Funded at University of Texas Med Br Galveston · NIH-11095368 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special molecule called Sirt6 might help protect the eyes of people with diabetes from damage that can lead to vision loss, with the goal of finding new ways to keep your eyesight healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Med Br Galveston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Galveston, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $74,120 |
| NIH project number | 3R01EY034616-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11095368 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults with diabetes who are at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without diabetes or those who have advanced diabetic retinopathy with significant vision loss may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of blindness in working-age adults, by exploring the role of the anti-aging molecule Sirt6 in protecting retinal neurons. The study aims to understand the mechanisms behind retinal ganglion cell injury and axonal degeneration in diabetes, which occur early in the disease and contribute to vision loss. By identifying novel strategies to limit this injury, the research seeks to develop new treatments that preserve vision in diabetic patients. The approach includes both animal models and patient studies to gather comprehensive data on the effects of Sirt6 in the retina.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that prevent vision loss in diabetic patients by protecting retinal neurons.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been studies on stress-induced premature senescence in diabetic retinopathy, the specific focus on Sirt6 as a neuroprotective agent is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Med Br Galveston
Galveston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Wenbo — University of Texas Med Br Galveston
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Wenbo
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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.