Mobile DNA and mitochondrial DNA changes in the aging retina
Cytosolic SINE retrotransposable element cDNA and mitochondrial DNA in aging retina
Researchers are mapping abnormal mobile DNA fragments and leaked mitochondrial DNA in aging eyes, especially in people with age-related macular degeneration, to learn how these pieces may cause retinal cell death.
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 ID | NIH-11307592 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project will map where and when small pieces of mobile DNA (Alu cDNAs) and mitochondrial DNA appear in young, older, and AMD-affected human eyes. Scientists will compare sequence subfamilies and spatial patterns in the retinal pigmented epithelium and pair those maps with laboratory and animal experiments. The team will test how cellular factors like LINE-1 (L1) drive Alu cDNA production and how Alu cDNAs promote mitochondrial DNA escape into the cell fluid. Together the human tissue mapping and mechanistic work aim to link these molecular changes to the retinal degeneration seen in geographic atrophy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults and people with age-related macular degeneration or geographic atrophy who can donate eye tissue or participate in related sample-collection efforts.
Not a fit: People without retinal aging changes or whose vision loss is due to non-AMD causes are unlikely to directly benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new molecular targets to slow or prevent retinal cell loss in age-related macular degeneration.
How similar studies have performed: Previous cell and animal studies showed Alu cDNA can be toxic to retinal cells, but combining high-resolution human tissue maps with mechanism studies is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Charlottesville, United States
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ambati, Jayakrishna — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Ambati, Jayakrishna
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.