Investigating how metabolism in immune cells affects abnormal blood vessel growth in the eye
Myeloid glycolysis in pathological ocular angiogenesis
This study is looking at how certain immune cells in the eye can cause unhealthy blood vessel growth that might lead to vision loss, and it’s exploring how a specific enzyme affects this process, with the hope of finding new ways to prevent these issues for people with eye diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Augusta University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Augusta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10673058 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of immune cells, specifically macrophages, in the development of abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina, which can lead to vision loss. The researchers are exploring how a specific enzyme involved in metabolism, called PFKFB3, influences this process. By studying the metabolic changes in these immune cells, the team aims to uncover new strategies to prevent or limit this pathological angiogenesis. The research involves using mouse models to analyze the behavior of these cells in the retina under conditions that mimic eye diseases.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing or at risk for eye diseases characterized by abnormal blood vessel growth, particularly older adults.
Not a fit: Patients with eye diseases not related to angiogenesis or those who are not within the targeted age group may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent vision loss from eye diseases caused by abnormal blood vessel growth.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting metabolic pathways in immune cells to influence angiogenesis, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
Augusta, United States
- Augusta University — Augusta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Caldwell, Ruth B — Augusta University
- Study coordinator: Caldwell, Ruth B
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 below.