Investigating how specific proteins in the eye affect retinal health and diseases like retinitis pigmentosa.
Official title: Role of Interphotoreceptor Matrix Proteoglycans in Retinal Homeostasis and Retinitis Pigmentosa
Funded at West Virginia University · NIH-10945359 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how two proteins, IMPG1 and IMPG2, help keep the retina healthy and how problems with these proteins might lead to retinitis pigmentosa, a condition that can cause vision loss, especially in children, and it aims to find ways to treat these issues with gene therapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | West Virginia University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Morgantown, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $380,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R01EY036475-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10945359 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with retinitis pigmentosa, particularly those with known mutations in the IMPG1 or IMPG2 genes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with retinal diseases not linked to mutations in IMPG1 or IMPG2 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on the role of two proteins, IMPG1 and IMPG2, in maintaining the health of the retina and their connection to retinitis pigmentosa, a condition that can lead to blindness. By using specially designed mouse models, the study will explore how these proteins facilitate nutrient exchange between the retina and the retinal pigment epithelium, which is crucial for visual function. The research will also investigate the mechanisms behind childhood-onset retinitis pigmentosa linked to mutations in these proteins and assess potential gene therapy strategies to address these issues.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for retinitis pigmentosa and improve the understanding of retinal diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of extracellular matrix proteins in retinal health, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
West Virginia University
Morgantown, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Salido, Ezequiel Martin — West Virginia University
- Study coordinator: Salido, Ezequiel Martin
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.
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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.
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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.