Role of ARMS2 mutations in age-related macular degeneration
Funded at Jackson Laboratory · NIH-11384282 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant explores how ARMS2 genetic changes may drive age-related macular degeneration and how these changes cause AMD-related eye damage in mouse models.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Jackson Laboratory NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bar Harbor, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $733,431 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY035397-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11384282 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with or at risk for AMD who may benefit from future therapies informed by ARMS2 research.
✕Less likely to help
Participants in basic animal studies will not directly benefit, though the findings may inform human treatments later.
What this research studies
Researchers will look at ARMS2 in the context of AMD to see if the ARMS2A69S variant causes AMD-like retinal changes in mice and where ARMS2 is active in eye cells. They will use animal models to map where ARMS2 is located in cells and how it influences disease processes. The work aims to connect genetic risk with direct mechanisms that lead to retinal degeneration, potentially guiding future therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding ARMS2’s role could pave the way for targeted therapies or prevention strategies for people at risk of AMD.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows ARMS2/HTRA1 locus is important in AMD risk, with animal studies helping to model disease features.
Where this research is happening
-
Jackson Laboratory
Bar Harbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nishina, Patsy M — Jackson Laboratory
- Study coordinator: Nishina, Patsy M
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
AI-powered tool to predict 2-year risk of late AMD
A new AI software helps people at risk of age-related macular degeneration understand their 2-year risk and what steps could protect their vision.
-
Active cycling program to support vision and daily living in Veterans with AMD
A 6-month online group spin cycling program is tested to help Veterans with age-related macular degeneration maintain vision and improve daily functioning.
-
Transplanting stem-cell–derived retinal cells to treat dry AMD
A medical team is testing a stem cell therapy to replace damaged retinal cells in adults with dry age-related macular degeneration.
-
RPESC-derived RPE Transplant for Dry AMD in adults
A new cell-based therapy derived from RPESCs is being tested to help adults with dry age-related macular degeneration regain vision.
-
New high-resolution OCT biomarkers to map early AMD changes
A new imaging approach using advanced OCT methods will help doctors see early changes in age-related macular degeneration to guide treatment and improve quality of life for older adults.
-
Targeting inflammation in age-related macular degeneration
Aims to understand how inflammation drives age-related macular degeneration in people and explore new targets to slow or stop vision loss.
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.