Investigating how metabolic changes in cells contribute to vision loss in diabetes
Official title: The Warburg Effect and Diabetic Retinopathy
Funded at Wayne State University · NIH-11089313 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain cells in the eye change their energy use to help grow new blood vessels when someone has long-term diabetes, which can cause serious vision problems, and the goal is to find new ways to treat diabetic retinopathy to help protect your sight.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wayne State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Detroit, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $385,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY034964-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11089313 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of diabetes who are at risk for or experiencing diabetic retinopathy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without diabetes or those who do not have diabetic retinopathy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind retinal neovascularization (RNV), a serious complication of diabetic retinopathy that can lead to blindness. The study aims to explore how endothelial cells change their metabolism to support the growth of new blood vessels in the retina, particularly in the context of long-term diabetes. By examining the Warburg effect, a metabolic shift that occurs in various diseases, the researchers hope to uncover new insights into how these changes contribute to vision loss. Patients may benefit from this research as it could lead to improved treatments for diabetic retinopathy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that prevent or treat vision loss in patients with diabetic retinopathy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that metabolic changes in cells play a significant role in various diseases, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights into diabetic retinopathy.
Where this research is happening
-
Wayne State University
Detroit, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ibrahim, Ahmed S — Wayne State University
- Study coordinator: Ibrahim, Ahmed S
Related research
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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.