Osteopontin's role in aging eyes and macular degeneration
Official title: Deciphering the role of osteopontin in the aging eye and age-related macular degeneration
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11131110 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at how a protein called osteopontin affects retinal cells in older adults and may contribute to dry age-related macular degeneration.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $459,739 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY035126-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11131110 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People aged 65 or older with early dry AMD or geographic atrophy (advanced dry AMD) would be the most relevant group for future clinical follow-up based on these findings.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neovascular (wet) AMD or unrelated eye diseases may not directly benefit from this research.
What this research studies
Researchers will study different forms of the protein osteopontin and how they affect retinal pigment epithelial cells and immune cells involved in dry AMD. They will use lab models, cell studies, and analysis of eye tissue samples to see how osteopontin influences inflammation, cell health, and debris clearance in the aging eye. The team aims to separate the effects of intracellular versus secreted osteopontin and how each form might help or harm retinal cells. Results will guide whether targeting specific osteopontin pathways could help prevent or slow vision loss from dry AMD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new targets for treatments that slow or prevent vision loss in dry AMD.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research links osteopontin to inflammation and neurodegeneration, but its specific role in dry AMD is not well defined, so this approach is promising but exploratory.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Malek, Goldis — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Malek, Goldis
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how a protein called osteopontin affects aging eyes and dry age-related macular degeneration
A researcher at Duke is studying how osteopontin, a protein involved in inflammation, may contribute to aging of the eye and the most common cause of vision loss in older adults.
-
Understanding how osteopontin affects aging eyes and macular degeneration
This study is looking at how a protein called osteopontin affects eye health as we age, especially in relation to age-related macular degeneration (AMD), to find new ways to help treat this common cause of vision loss in older adults.
-
AI-powered tool to predict 2-year risk of late AMD
A new AI software helps people at risk of age-related macular degeneration understand their 2-year risk and what steps could protect their vision.
-
Active cycling program to support vision and daily living in Veterans with AMD
A 6-month online group spin cycling program is tested to help Veterans with age-related macular degeneration maintain vision and improve daily functioning.
-
Transplanting stem-cell–derived retinal cells to treat dry AMD
A medical team is testing a stem cell therapy to replace damaged retinal cells in adults with dry age-related macular degeneration.
-
RPESC-derived RPE Transplant for Dry AMD in adults
A new cell-based therapy derived from RPESCs is being tested to help adults with dry age-related macular degeneration regain vision.
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.