Molecules that keep retinal connections healthy as we age
Molecular control of age-related retinal synaptic remodeling
['FUNDING_R01'] · BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL · NIH-11225366
This work looks at ways to boost energy in retinal cells to keep the tiny connections that help vision working better for people with age-related vision loss like AMD.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11225366 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you have age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or age-related vision decline, this research focuses on a molecule called REV-ERBα that helps control energy production in light-sensing cells. Scientists use laboratory models (including genetic mouse models) to see how changing REV-ERBα affects the tiny synapses between retinal neurons, mitochondrial function, and vision over time. They measure metabolic signals such as the LKB1-AMPK pathway and mitochondrial activity and test approaches to strengthen synapses by boosting neuronal energetics. The goal is to find ways to protect or repair synapses to preserve vision as people age.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with age-related macular degeneration or progressive age-related vision decline would be the main group likely to benefit from future therapies developed from this work.
Not a fit: Patients with eye problems unrelated to photoreceptor synaptic remodeling (for example, purely vascular or infectious eye diseases) may not see direct benefit from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new treatments that protect photoreceptor synapses and slow vision loss in AMD and age-related retinal degeneration.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies support targeting mitochondrial metabolism and AMPK-related pathways for retinal protection, but directly targeting REV-ERBα for synapse preservation is a newer approach with limited prior human data.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CHEN, JING — BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
- Study coordinator: CHEN, JING
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.