NIH-funded research R21 grant

Investigating how specific receptors affect diabetic retinopathy

Official title: Toward Targeting GPR31 and GPR39 Signaling in Diabetic Retinopathy

Funded at Oakland University · NIH-10946912 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how certain receptors in the eye might affect vision problems caused by diabetes, with the hope of finding new ways to help people with diabetic retinopathy keep their sight.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionOakland University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Rochester, United States)
Project startSeptember 30, 2024
Project endAugust 31, 2026
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$184,117
NIH project number1R21EY036537-01
Project IDNIH-10946912 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with diabetes who are at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy.

Less likely to help

Patients without diabetes or those who do not have any signs of diabetic retinopathy may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the role of GPR31 and GPR39 receptors in diabetic retinopathy, a condition that can lead to vision loss in people with diabetes. The study aims to explore how these receptors interact with certain metabolites that are elevated in diabetes, potentially contributing to inflammation and vascular issues in the retina. By examining these mechanisms in retinal cells, the research seeks to uncover new insights that could lead to better treatments for diabetic retinopathy.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies to prevent or treat vision loss in patients with diabetic retinopathy.

How similar studies have gone: While the specific role of GPR31 and GPR39 in diabetic retinopathy has not been extensively studied, previous research has shown promising results in targeting similar pathways for other conditions.

Where this research is happening

  • Oakland University
    Rochester, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Al-Shabrawey, Mohamed Al-Sayed — Oakland University
  • Study coordinator: Al-Shabrawey, Mohamed Al-Sayed

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.