Metabolism and the eye's internal clock in aging vision
Chromatin connects metabolism to circadian gene regulation in the aging eye
Researchers are looking at how age-related changes in metabolism alter the eye's internal clock and gene activity, which may contribute to vision decline.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Purdue University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (West Lafayette, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11238549 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, the team uses laboratory models (fruit flies) to follow how the amino acid methionine is processed into molecules that add chemical marks to DNA and histones in eye cells. They measure levels of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) and S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH), track loss of specific histone methylation marks, and monitor rhythmic gene activity controlled by circadian regulators like Clock and Cycle in photoreceptors. The researchers connect changes in these metabolic and chromatin markers to altered daily gene rhythms and earlier retinal degeneration in their models. This work aims to map the chain from metabolism to chromatin to gene regulation to better explain age-related changes in the eye.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with age-related vision loss or early-stage retinal degeneration would be the most likely to benefit from and be eligible for any future patient-based studies stemming from this work.
Not a fit: Individuals whose vision problems are caused primarily by acute injury, infection, or genetic conditions unrelated to aging-related metabolic or circadian changes may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reveal targets to slow or prevent age-related retinal degeneration and help preserve vision.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal and lab studies have linked methionine metabolism, SAM/SAH balance, and histone methylation to aging and retinal health, but translating those findings into human treatments is still largely untested.
Where this research is happening
West Lafayette, United States
- Purdue University — West Lafayette, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Weake, Vikki Marie — Purdue University
- Study coordinator: Weake, Vikki Marie
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.