Investigating the role of specific DNA elements in aging-related eye diseases.
Official title: Cytosolic SINE retrotransposable element cDNA and mitochondrial DNA in aging retina
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-11076822 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain pieces of DNA might affect the aging process in the eyes, especially for people with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), to help us understand what causes this condition and find new ways to treat it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $614,163 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG082748-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11076822 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include older adults experiencing symptoms of age-related macular degeneration or those at risk for this condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-age-related eye conditions or those who are not experiencing any visual impairment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how certain DNA elements, specifically cytosolic SINE retrotransposable elements and mitochondrial DNA, contribute to age-related changes in the retina. The study aims to map these DNA elements in both healthy and AMD-affected eyes to uncover their roles in retinal degeneration. By examining the mechanisms that lead to the production of these DNA elements, the research seeks to clarify their impact on the innate immune response and cell death in the retinal pigmented epithelium. This could provide insights into the underlying causes of age-related macular degeneration and potentially lead to new therapeutic strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for age-related macular degeneration, potentially preserving vision in affected individuals.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of DNA elements in various diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ambati, Jayakrishna — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Ambati, Jayakrishna
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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.