Retinal metabolism and cell survival
Metabolism and neuronal viability of the retina
This work looks at how retinal cells use energy to stay alive, aiming to help people with conditions like age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11142489 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers use genetic and molecular tools in laboratory models to see how the cytokine CNTF changes metabolism and gene activity in different retinal cells. They deliver the same human CNTF used in clinical trials to mouse retinas with viral vectors and track which cells respond and how photoreceptors and Muller glia communicate. The team measures broad changes in the retinal transcriptome to understand why CNTF can protect cells yet sometimes reduce visual function when given chronically. The goal is to find ways to keep retinal neurons alive without harming sight.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with age-related macular degeneration or other slowly progressive retinal degenerations who are interested in neuroprotective approaches or future CNTF-related trials.
Not a fit: Patients with acute retinal injuries, non-neurodegenerative eye conditions, or those unable to undergo experimental therapies altering retinal signaling may not benefit from this line of work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could guide safer neuroprotective treatments that preserve vision in diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies and early human CNTF trials showed retinal cell protection but also revealed that long-term high doses can reduce visual function, so the approach is promising but needs refinement.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yang, Xian-Jie — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Yang, Xian-Jie
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.