Investigating how specific RNA molecules can help protect nerve cells in the eye after injury
Official title: The role of novel lincRNAs in regulating RGC survival after injury
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-11040996 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain RNA molecules can help protect eye cells after they get hurt, with the hope of finding new ways to help people keep their vision after optic nerve injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $410,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY034531-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11040996 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals over 21 years old who have experienced optic nerve injuries or conditions affecting retinal ganglion cells.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to retinal ganglion cell survival or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the survival of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) following axonal injury. By using advanced techniques like RNA sequencing, the study aims to identify lncRNAs that are activated in response to damage and explore how manipulating these RNA molecules can enhance the survival of RGCs. The approach involves using adeno-associated viruses to deliver specific RNA sequences to test their effects on cell survival in a controlled environment. This research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for protecting vision in patients with optic nerve injuries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that improve the survival of nerve cells in the eye, potentially preserving vision for patients with optic nerve injuries.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been preclinical studies exploring neuroprotection in retinal ganglion cells, the specific approach of targeting lncRNAs for this purpose is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in clinical settings.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Park, Kevin Kyung — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Park, Kevin Kyung
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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.