Investigating how certain cells contribute to vision loss in age-related macular degeneration
Official title: Metabolic reprogramming of endothelial precursor cells in subretinal fibrosis
Funded at University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr · NIH-10916478 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oklahoma City, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $448,144 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY034742-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10916478 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 have developed subretinal fibrosis after anti-VEGF therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of vision impairment not related to age-related macular degeneration may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr
Oklahoma City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cai, Jiyang — University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr
- Study coordinator: Cai, Jiyang
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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.