PLA2G2A's role in macular degeneration and potential new therapies
Official title: Investigating the role of PLA2G2A/sPLA2-IIA in macular degeneration
Funded at University of Rochester · NIH-11365167 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study at the University of Rochester will explore how a specific inflammatory enzyme, PLA2G2A, may drive age-related macular degeneration and whether targeting it could lead to new treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $650,933 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY035887-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11365167 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable to participate directly in this grant as it is preclinical; future trials may involve adults with AMD.
✕Less likely to help
No direct patient participation is involved in this phase of the work.
What this research studies
This project examines how the enzyme PLA2G2A/sPLA2-IIA contributes to the development of age-related macular degeneration, including the dry and wet forms. Researchers will build on prior lab findings from AMD cell models and mouse studies to test how modulating PLA2G2A affects disease features like drusen, Bruch's membrane changes, CNV, and vision in models that resemble human AMD. The goal is to determine whether blocking PLA2G2A could offer a new therapeutic approach for patients with AMD. The work will combine experiments with human-derived cells and animal models to understand mechanism and therapeutic potential.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to new treatments that slow or prevent vision loss in people with AMD.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies show PLA2G2A is linked to AMD pathology and modulating it altered disease features in models, supporting further exploration.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Singh, Ruchira — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Singh, Ruchira
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
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New high-resolution OCT biomarkers to map early AMD changes
A new imaging approach using advanced OCT methods will help doctors see early changes in age-related macular degeneration to guide treatment and improve quality of life for older adults.
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.