Investigating how mitochondria interact with other cell structures in the retina
Official title: Understanding how mitochondrial interaction with other organelles in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) affect its function in the outer retina
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11002274 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the tiny powerhouses in eye cells, called mitochondria, work and change in healthy and diseased eyes, to help us understand more about eye health and what happens when the retina starts to break down.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $114,825 |
| NIH project number | 5K99EY035758-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11002274 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing early signs of retinal degeneration or those with a family history of retinal diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced retinal degeneration or those with conditions unrelated to retinal health may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to understand the metabolic changes in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), which is crucial for eye health and is often the first site affected in retinal diseases. Using advanced live imaging techniques, the study will explore how RPE mitochondria function in both healthy and diseased states. It will focus on how RPE cells manage the daily recycling of photoreceptor components and how these processes are influenced by mitochondrial activity. By analyzing these interactions, the research seeks to uncover new insights into the mechanisms of retinal degeneration.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for preventing or treating retinal degenerative diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding mitochondrial function in other tissues, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach focused on the retina.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hultgren, Nan Wu — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Hultgren, Nan Wu
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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.