Protecting retinal nerve cells from damage.
Official title: Neuroprotection of retinal ganglion cells.
Funded at York College · NIH-11062511 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a way to help protect important eye cells from damage caused by conditions like glaucoma and diabetes, using a special compound called HDAP2 that boosts cell energy, and it's being tested in mice to see how well it works.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | York College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Jamaica, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $161,198 |
| NIH project number | 5R16GM149428-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11062511 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults experiencing conditions that threaten retinal ganglion cell survival, such as glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-neurodegenerative eye conditions or those who do not have retinal ganglion cell damage may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how to protect retinal ganglion cells, which are crucial for vision, from dying due to mitochondrial dysfunction in conditions like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. The approach involves using a compound called HDAP2 that enhances mitochondrial function, particularly under stress conditions. By studying its effects in adult mice with optic nerve injuries, the research aims to understand how this treatment can help preserve the health and function of these important cells.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent vision loss in patients with neurodegenerative eye diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using mitochondrial-targeting compounds to protect nerve cells, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
York College
Jamaica, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Macneil, Margaret — York College
- Study coordinator: Macneil, Margaret
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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.