PFKFB3 and scarring beneath the retina in wet age-related macular degeneration
RPE PFKFB3 in subretinal fibrosis
This work looks at whether blocking a cell enzyme called PFKFB3 in retinal pigment epithelial cells can reduce scarring beneath the retina and help people with wet age-related macular degeneration.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University New York Stony Brook NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stony Brook, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11402090 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying a cell enzyme (PFKFB3) in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells that may drive the scarring that follows abnormal blood vessel growth in wet AMD. They will use lab cell experiments and two mouse models — laser-induced choroidal neovascularization and Vldlr knockout mice that develop spontaneous subretinal fibrosis — to remove PFKFB3 specifically in RPE cells and observe effects on scarring and visual function. The team will measure inflammatory and fibrotic signals, cellular transitions (like epithelial-to-mesenchymal changes), retinal structure, and functional readouts, building on earlier findings that PFKFB3 alters metabolism and promotes pro-fibrotic behavior. Results are intended to identify whether targeting PFKFB3 could be a route to therapies that stop or slow subretinal scar formation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration, particularly those with choroidal neovascularization or early signs of subretinal fibrosis, would be the most relevant candidates for future therapies.
Not a fit: People with dry (atrophic) AMD or those who already have long-standing, fully formed disciform scars are unlikely to benefit from therapies aimed at preventing fibrosis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could point to new treatments that prevent or reduce scarring beneath the retina and help preserve vision in people with wet AMD.
How similar studies have performed: Related laboratory studies have linked PFKFB3 to fibrotic and inflammatory changes in other tissues, but applying PFKFB3-targeting to subretinal fibrosis is a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Stony Brook, United States
- State University New York Stony Brook — Stony Brook, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yang, Qiuhua — State University New York Stony Brook
- Study coordinator: Yang, Qiuhua
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.