Retina-derived extracellular vesicles and diabetic retinopathy: possible roles in disease and therapy
Official title: Retina-derived extracellular vesicles in diabetic retinopathy: their potential role in pathogenesis and therapy
Funded at Doheny Eye Institute · NIH-11389481 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Tiny vesicles from retinal cells may drive inflammation and damage in diabetic retinopathy, and this research looks at how they form, carry signals, and could be targeted for treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Doheny Eye Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pasadena, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $245,281 |
| NIH project number | 5R00EY034928-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11389481 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are people with diabetic retinopathy or diabetes patients at risk of retinal complications, though this grant uses animal models to study mechanisms.
✕Less likely to help
Direct clinical benefit for patients may be limited until findings are translated into human therapies or trials.
What this research studies
This project studies tiny vesicles released by retina cells in diabetes and how they influence inflammation and blood vessel changes. The team uses a mouse model of diabetes to see how retina-derived vesicles cause ICAM-1 activation in retinal vessels and leukocytes, and whether blocking specific pathways can slow disease. The goal is to uncover the mechanisms behind these vesicles’ effects and explore therapeutic angles. The work builds on a validated method to isolate retinal vesicles and tests how they interact with immune cells and vascular cells.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could identify new targets to reduce inflammation and vascular damage in diabetic retinopathy and open doors for novel therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows retina-derived vesicles can modulate vascular and immune responses; this study extends those findings to mechanism and therapy potential.
Where this research is happening
-
Doheny Eye Institute
Pasadena, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lessieur, Emma M — Doheny Eye Institute
- Study coordinator: Lessieur, Emma M
Related research
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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.