New Sigma‑1 receptor treatment to protect premature babies' retinas
Targeting Sigma 1 receptor as a novel therapy for limiting neurovascular injury in ROP
A treatment that activates the Sigma‑1 receptor to protect the eyes of premature infants with retinopathy of prematurity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Augusta University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Augusta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11092164 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If your baby is at risk for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), this work is trying to create a retinal environment that helps cells survive and blood vessels regrow properly. The team is focusing on the Sigma‑1 receptor, a protein that can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the retina. Their approach aims to support multiple retinal cell types (blood vessel cells, immune cells, and neurons) to prevent the damage and abnormal blood vessel growth that leads to blindness. The project builds on prior findings that activating Sigma‑1 receptor can protect retinal neurons in disease models.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be premature infants at risk for or in early stages of retinopathy of prematurity who might benefit from therapies that protect retinal cells and promote normal blood vessel growth.
Not a fit: Infants with advanced, already-established destructive retinal scarring or those whose care is limited by other medical issues may not benefit from this therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could preserve retinal cells and improve healthy revascularization, reducing the risk of vision loss in infants with ROP.
How similar studies have performed: Prior preclinical studies reported that Sigma‑1 receptor activation provides retinal neuroprotection in models of retinal degeneration, but application specifically to ROP is a newer direction.
Where this research is happening
Augusta, United States
- Augusta University — Augusta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Jing — Augusta University
- Study coordinator: Wang, 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.