Investigating how certain cells contribute to vision loss in age-related macular degeneration

Metabolic reprogramming of endothelial precursor cells in subretinal fibrosis

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA HLTH SCIENCES CTR · NIH-10916478

This study is looking into how certain cells in the eye might cause a serious problem called subretinal fibrosis in people with age-related macular degeneration who have received treatment, with the hope of finding new ways to prevent or treat this issue.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA HLTH SCIENCES CTR (nih funded)
Locations1 site (OKLAHOMA CITY, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10916478 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind subretinal fibrosis (SRF), a serious complication that can occur in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) after treatment with anti-VEGF therapies. The study aims to identify the role of endothelial precursor cells (EPCs) in the development of SRF, which can lead to irreversible damage to the retina. By using advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing, researchers will explore how these cells change and contribute to fibrosis in the eye. The ultimate goal is to uncover potential therapeutic targets to prevent or treat SRF in AMD patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with neovascular age-related macular degeneration who have developed subretinal fibrosis after anti-VEGF therapy.

Not a fit: Patients with other forms of vision impairment not related to age-related macular degeneration may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent vision loss in patients suffering from age-related macular degeneration.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of targeting endothelial precursor cells in SRF is novel, previous studies have shown success in understanding fibrosis mechanisms in other contexts.

Where this research is happening

OKLAHOMA CITY, UNITED STATES

Researchers

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 below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.