Investigating how proteasome overload contributes to blindness from retinitis pigmentosa
Official title: Role of Proteasome Overload in Pathogenesis of Retinitis Pigmentosa
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11073037 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a buildup of faulty proteins in the eye affects vision in people with retinitis pigmentosa, and it aims to find ways to help the eye cells clear these proteins to help protect sight for those with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2022 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $170,704 |
| NIH project number | 5K08EY033857-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11073037 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, particularly those with mutations affecting proteostasis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with retinitis pigmentosa caused by mutations unrelated to proteostasis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a hereditary condition that leads to blindness, affecting millions globally. The study aims to understand how the overload of misfolded proteins in cells contributes to the degeneration of photoreceptors, which are crucial for vision. By using mouse models, researchers will explore ways to enhance the proteasome's ability to clear these proteins, potentially delaying or preventing vision loss. The ultimate goal is to identify new therapeutic strategies that could benefit a wide range of patients with different genetic mutations causing RP.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that slow down or prevent blindness in patients with retinitis pigmentosa.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting proteostasis to treat similar conditions, indicating that this approach may be viable.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alekseev, Oleg — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Alekseev, Oleg
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Inflammation in MERTK-related retinitis pigmentosa
This project aims to understand whether losing the MERTK gene causes retinal inflammation that leads to vision loss in people with MERTK-related retinitis pigmentosa.
-
Enhancing cone survival in RP through targeted cell-specific CRISPR therapy
A patient-friendly look at a new approach to protect cone cells in retinitis pigmentosa using precise gene editing to support vision.
-
Oral, once-daily MC16 medicine for retinitis pigmentosa
A gene-mutation-agnostic pill (MC16) is being studied to help people with retinitis pigmentosa by addressing a common cellular problem in the eye.
-
Role of IPM Proteoglycans in Retinal Health and Inherited Blindness
This grant studies how specific retinal extracellular matrix proteins (IMPG1 and IMPG2) affect eye health and contribute to retinitis pigmentosa, with potential implications for people who have or are at risk for inherited blindness.
-
NAC Attack: a late-stage trial for preserving vision in RP patients
A large, multi-site study is testing whether taking a daily NAC pill can help people with retinitis pigmentosa keep more of their vision.
-
Non-invasive biomarker for mitochondria health in retinitis pigmentosa
Aims to test a new, non-invasive OCT-based biomarker to explain and predict how mitochondria function affects cone cells in people with retinitis pigmentosa.
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.