Investigating inflammation in a type of inherited blindness
Official title: Inflammation in MERTK-dependent retinitis pigmentosa
Funded at Yale University · NIH-11017023 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how inflammation affects retinitis pigmentosa, a genetic eye condition that can cause vision loss, by using mice to see how a missing gene called MERTK impacts the eye's ability to clean up debris, with the hope of finding new treatment options for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $663,495 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY034003-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11017023 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 genetic mutations affecting the MERTK gene.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with retinitis pigmentosa caused by other genetic mutations unrelated to MERTK may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of inflammation in retinitis pigmentosa, a genetic condition that can lead to blindness. The researchers are using mouse models to explore how the loss of a specific gene, MERTK, affects the ability of retinal cells to clear debris from photoreceptors. By examining the relationship between MERTK and inflammation in the retina, the study aims to uncover new insights into the disease process and potential therapeutic targets. Patients may benefit from findings that could lead to new treatments for retinitis pigmentosa.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies to prevent or slow down vision loss in patients with retinitis pigmentosa.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of inflammation in retinal diseases, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rothlin, Carla — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Rothlin, Carla
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.