Preventing vision loss by reducing high calcium levels in retinal cells
Official title: Suppression of elevated intracellular Ca2+ as an early intervention to prevent vision loss
Funded at VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System · NIH-11061868 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how too much calcium in certain eye cells can lead to vision loss, and it aims to find ways to protect those cells from damage, especially for people dealing with conditions like glaucoma or optic nerve stroke.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX005926-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11061868 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing vision loss due to conditions such as glaucoma, optic nerve stroke, or other forms of ocular trauma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable vision and no history of ocular injury or disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how elevated levels of calcium inside retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) contribute to vision loss and aims to find ways to prevent this damage. By using advanced models that allow scientists to observe RGCs immediately after injury, the study will explore the cellular changes that occur when these cells are exposed to high calcium levels. The goal is to identify early interventions that can protect RGCs from degeneration caused by conditions like glaucoma and optic nerve stroke, ultimately improving outcomes for patients with vision impairment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent vision loss in patients suffering from various ocular injuries and diseases.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of targeting calcium levels in RGCs is novel, similar research has shown promise in understanding and preventing cell degeneration in other contexts.
Where this research is happening
-
VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brecha, Nicholas C. — VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Brecha, Nicholas C.
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.