Investigating how bile acid receptors affect vision problems in premature infants
Bile acid receptor signaling in retinopathy of prematurity
This study is looking at how oxygen exposure after birth affects the eyes of premature babies with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and is testing a special receptor that might help protect their eyesight, with the goal of finding safer treatments to prevent serious problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Meharry Medical College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11300797 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a serious eye condition that can lead to blindness in premature infants. It examines how exposure to oxygen after birth disrupts normal retinal growth, leading to complications like abnormal blood vessel growth and potential retinal detachment. The study explores the role of a specific receptor, the farnesoid-X-receptor (FXR), which may help protect retinal cells and improve outcomes for affected infants. By restoring FXR signaling, the research aims to develop safer treatment options that could prevent severe side effects associated with current interventions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are premature infants who are at risk of developing retinopathy of prematurity due to oxygen exposure after birth.
Not a fit: Patients who are not premature or do not have retinopathy of prematurity may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly reduce the risk of blindness in premature infants suffering from ROP.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in using FXR agonists for protective effects in models of retinopathy, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, United States
- Meharry Medical College — Nashville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thounaojam, Menaka Chanu — Meharry Medical College
- Study coordinator: Thounaojam, Menaka Chanu
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 below.