Investigating how genetic variations affect age-related vision loss
Official title: Reconstruction of a human blood-retina barrier and perfused vascular system to investigate the role of APOE variants in age-related macular degeneration
Funded at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-11037368 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $253,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R21EY037046-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11037368 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
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.
✕Less likely to help
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.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mesentier Louro, Louise Alessandra — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Mesentier Louro, Louise Alessandra
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
AI-powered tool to predict 2-year risk of late AMD
A new AI software helps people at risk of age-related macular degeneration understand their 2-year risk and what steps could protect their vision.
-
Active cycling program to support vision and daily living in Veterans with AMD
A 6-month online group spin cycling program is tested to help Veterans with age-related macular degeneration maintain vision and improve daily functioning.
-
Transplanting stem-cell–derived retinal cells to treat dry AMD
A medical team is testing a stem cell therapy to replace damaged retinal cells in adults with dry age-related macular degeneration.
-
RPESC-derived RPE Transplant for Dry AMD in adults
A new cell-based therapy derived from RPESCs is being tested to help adults with dry age-related macular degeneration regain vision.
-
New high-resolution OCT biomarkers to map early AMD changes
A new imaging approach using advanced OCT methods will help doctors see early changes in age-related macular degeneration to guide treatment and improve quality of life for older adults.
-
Targeting inflammation in age-related macular degeneration
Aims to understand how inflammation drives age-related macular degeneration in people and explore new targets to slow or stop vision loss.
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.