Investigating the role of a stress response protein in age-related vision loss
Official title: Unifying Mechanism of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in AMD
Funded at Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr · NIH-11003728 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called REDD1 might play a role in age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a common cause of vision loss, to help find new ways to treat and improve vision for people with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hershey, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $209,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R21EY035844-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11003728 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing early signs of age-related macular degeneration.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of vision loss unrelated to age-related macular degeneration may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how a specific protein, REDD1, contributes to age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss. The study will explore how REDD1 affects the retinal pigment epithelium's response to stress and inflammation as people age. Using advanced mouse models and human cells, researchers aim to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind AMD and assess potential therapeutic strategies. The findings could lead to new treatments that improve visual function in patients with AMD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative therapies that enhance vision and slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in targeting REDD1 for improving visual function in AMD, indicating a potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
Hershey, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dennis, Michael D. — Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Dennis, Michael D.
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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.