Role of Bruch Membrane Heparan Sulfate in Drusen Formation in Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Official title: Role of Bruch Membrane Heparan Sulfate in Drusenogenesis in Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11374972 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how a sugar molecule on Bruch’s membrane may influence the buildup of drusen and progression of age-related macular degeneration to guide new treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $254,732 |
| NIH project number | 5K08EY035322-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11374972 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with age-related macular degeneration or at risk due to age and genetic factors linked to APOE and related pathways.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without AMD or related risk factors may not directly benefit from this project.
What this research studies
This project looks at how modifications in heparan sulfate on Bruch’s membrane might drive drusen formation in AMD, a leading cause of vision loss. The team at UC San Diego will examine molecular interactions and aging-related changes to understand how these sugars affect lipoprotein deposits in the eye. By focusing on humans and human disease biology, the study aims to identify potential targets for preventing or slowing vision loss in AMD patients. The work is conducted under a mentored career development grant to help the investigator build translational expertise.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could reveal new therapeutic targets to prevent or slow AMD progression and preserve vision.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests heparan sulfate and Bruch’s membrane components play roles in eye tissue aging and disease, but direct links to AMD-related drusen are being explored here.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Toomey, Christopher B — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Toomey, Christopher B
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.