Measuring small molecules to better understand age-related macular degeneration
Metabolomics a Novel Tool for Investigating the Pathogenesis of Age-related Macular Degeneration
This project will measure specific small molecules in people with age-related macular degeneration to find signals that predict progression.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11131651 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be asked to provide blood (and possibly other) samples while clinicians record your eye exam findings, and researchers will use targeted metabolomics to directly measure metabolites previously linked to AMD. They will compare metabolite levels across early, intermediate, and control groups and follow changes over time to find patterns tied to disease progression. The team will also examine connections between metabolite patterns and genetic markers already associated with AMD. This work builds on a prior five-year prospective study and aims to confirm that specific lipid and amino acid pathways are involved in AMD.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are adults with early or intermediate age-related macular degeneration who can provide blood samples and attend follow-up visits.
Not a fit: People without AMD or those with late-stage, advanced vision loss may not see direct short-term benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to blood-based biomarkers that help predict who with early AMD will worsen and point to new treatment targets.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work by this group showed metabolomic differences linked to AMD severity and progression, but direct targeted quantification of specific metabolites is a newer step.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Husain, Deeba — Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
- Study coordinator: Husain, Deeba
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 below.