Non-invasive biomarker for mitochondria health in retinitis pigmentosa
Official title: Mitigating retinitis pigmentosa based on a non-invasive rod energy-landscape biomarker
Funded at Wayne State University · NIH-11365895 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to test a new, non-invasive OCT-based biomarker to explain and predict how mitochondria function affects cone cells in people with retinitis pigmentosa.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wayne State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Detroit, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $496,155 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY034309-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11365895 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with retinitis pigmentosa or related cone-rod dystrophies who can undergo OCT imaging.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without RP or with conditions not affecting retinal mitochondria may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at a patient-friendly way to understand why cone cells die in retinitis pigmentosa by using an OCT image feature called the inner segment ellipsoid zone (ISez). It proposes that changes in ISez shape reflect mitochondrial health and energy demand in the retina, potentially guiding personalized treatments. The study builds on animal data and develops methods that could translate to patients through non-invasive imaging, eliminating the need for invasive tests. If successful, clinicians could use this biomarker to tailor therapies and monitor responses over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If the biomarker works in people, it could help personalize treatment plans and track how retinal cells respond to therapies without invasive procedures.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical work in mice suggests the OCT-based biomarker reflects mitochondrial health and energy demand, showing promise but needing human validation.
Where this research is happening
-
Wayne State University
Detroit, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Berkowitz, Bruce a. — Wayne State University
- Study coordinator: Berkowitz, Bruce a.
Related research
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Inflammation in MERTK-related retinitis pigmentosa
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This grant studies how specific retinal extracellular matrix proteins (IMPG1 and IMPG2) affect eye health and contribute to retinitis pigmentosa, with potential implications for people who have or are at risk for inherited blindness.
-
NAC Attack: a late-stage trial for preserving vision in RP patients
A large, multi-site study is testing whether taking a daily NAC pill can help people with retinitis pigmentosa keep more of their vision.
-
Understanding and Treating Inherited Retinal Degeneration to Preserve Vision
A clinician-scientist at Stanford is pursuing gene-agnostic therapies to slow or prevent vision loss from inherited retinal diseases like Retinitis Pigmentosa.
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.