Preventing and treating scar tissue beneath the retina
Mechanistic study and therapeutic development for subretinal fibrosis
The team is developing treatments that target the cells and signals that cause scar tissue under the retina for people with wet age-related macular degeneration and related retinal injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tulane University of Louisiana NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Orleans, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11249650 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at why scar tissue forms under the retina in conditions like wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). Researchers will trace which cells turn into scar-making myofibroblasts — including retinal pigment epithelial cells, blood-vessel cells, and immune cells — and map the molecular signals that drive those changes. They will test microRNA-based and other molecular approaches in cell cultures and animal models to stop or reverse scarring and its complications such as bleeding and retinal detachment. The goal is to translate promising lab findings into therapies that could eventually be offered to patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with neovascular (wet) AMD, recent subretinal bleeding, or early signs of subretinal fibrosis would be the most likely candidates for therapies developed from this work.
Not a fit: People with long-standing, dense scar tissue that has already caused irreversible retinal damage, or those with non-neovascular (dry) AMD, may not benefit from these approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to treatments that prevent or shrink subretinal scars, reduce bleeding and retinal detachment, and help preserve vision.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory and animal studies targeting fibrotic pathways and modulating microRNAs have shown encouraging results, but there are not yet approved clinical treatments specifically for subretinal fibrosis.
Where this research is happening
New Orleans, United States
- Tulane University of Louisiana — New Orleans, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Shusheng — Tulane University of Louisiana
- Study coordinator: Wang, Shusheng
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.