Investigating immune mechanisms in wet age-related macular degeneration
Official title: MMP-9 based immune-driven mechanisms of neovascular AMD
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-11041110 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called MMP9 affects the eye condition known as neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nvAMD) and aims to find out if your genes influence how well you respond to treatments, using advanced imaging and AI to help create more personalized care for your vision.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $540,439 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY035435-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11041110 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with neovascular age-related macular degeneration, particularly those with specific genetic profiles related to MMP9.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of macular degeneration or those who do not have the high-risk MMP9 genotype may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how a specific protein, matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), plays a role in the development of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nvAMD), a condition that leads to vision loss. The study will assess genetic factors that may affect how patients respond to standard treatments and will utilize advanced imaging techniques to visualize changes in the retina. By employing artificial intelligence, researchers aim to correlate genetic information with observable features in imaging, potentially leading to more personalized treatment approaches for patients with nvAMD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies and outcomes for patients suffering from wet age-related macular degeneration.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of immune mechanisms in age-related macular degeneration, but this specific approach utilizing AI and genetic profiling is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sohn, Elliott H — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Sohn, Elliott H
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.