Measuring small molecules to better understand age-related macular degeneration
Official title: Metabolomics a Novel Tool for Investigating the Pathogenesis of Age-related Macular Degeneration
Funded at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary · NIH-11131651 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | March 1, 2020 |
| Project end | July 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $706,337 |
| NIH project number | 2R01EY030088-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11131651 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal participants are adults with early or intermediate age-related macular degeneration who can provide blood samples and attend follow-up visits.
✕Less likely to help
People without AMD or those with late-stage, advanced vision loss may not see direct short-term benefit from this project.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Husain, Deeba — Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
- Study coordinator: Husain, Deeba
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Metabolomics approach to uncover how age-related macular degeneration develops
A patient-facing look at how we study small molecules in blood and eye tissue to understand why people develop AMD and how it progresses.
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Using metabolomics to understand age-related macular degeneration
This study is looking at how tiny molecules in your body might help us understand age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a common cause of vision loss in older folks, by analyzing blood and urine samples to find changes that could predict how the disease progresses.
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AI-powered tool to predict 2-year risk of late AMD
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Transplanting stem-cell–derived retinal cells to treat dry AMD
A medical team is testing a stem cell therapy to replace damaged retinal cells in adults with dry age-related macular degeneration.
-
RPESC-derived RPE Transplant for Dry AMD in adults
A new cell-based therapy derived from RPESCs is being tested to help adults with dry age-related macular degeneration regain vision.
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.