Metabolic changes in cells that repair blood vessels in the eye lens to prevent scarring
Official title: Metabolic reprogramming of endothelial precursor cells in subretinal fibrosis
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-11603221 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A drug or approach that changes how certain cells that repair blood vessels in the eye work, to prevent scarring behind the retina in age-related macular degeneration patients treated with anti-VEGF therapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $481,948 |
| NIH project number | 7R01EY034742-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11603221 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are patients with age-related macular degeneration who might be treated in the future or who have related samples/datasets available for translational insights.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without AMD or those not undergoing anti-VEGF therapy are unlikely to benefit from these findings.
What this research studies
This research looks at why some patients develop subretinal fibrosis after anti-VEGF treatment for age-related macular degeneration. It focuses on endothelial precursor cells that may turn into fibroblast-like cells and contribute to scarring. The study uses mouse models and single-cell RNA sequencing to understand the signals that drive this fibroblast-like transformation. insights from this work could point to new strategies to stop fibrosis and preserve vision.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could lead to new ways to prevent or reduce subretinal fibrosis and protect vision for people with AMD.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work has linked endothelial precursor cells to fibrosis in the eye, suggesting this approach is promising but not yet proven in humans.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cai, Jiyang — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Cai, Jiyang
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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.