Investigating how genetic variations affect age-related vision loss

Reconstruction of a human blood-retina barrier and perfused vascular system to investigate the role of APOE variants in age-related macular degeneration

['FUNDING_R21'] · ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI · NIH-11037368

This study is looking at how certain genes affect vision loss from age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in older adults, using new stem cell technology to help find better treatments for this condition.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R21']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11037368 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss in older adults. By using advanced stem cell technology, the team aims to create a human model of the blood-retina barrier to study how different genetic variants of the APOE gene influence lipid metabolism and the development of AMD. Patients may benefit from insights into the mechanisms of AMD, which could lead to new treatment strategies. The research will involve manipulating various factors to observe their effects on AMD-related changes in the retina.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, particularly those with a family history of age-related macular degeneration or genetic variants associated with the condition.

Not a fit: Patients who are younger than 50 years old or do not have any risk factors for age-related macular degeneration may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic approaches for preventing or treating age-related macular degeneration.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using stem cell models to study retinal diseases, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

NEW YORK, 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.