Role of IPM Proteoglycans in Retinal Health and Inherited Blindness
Official title: Role of Interphotoreceptor Matrix Proteoglycans in Retinal Homeostasis and Retinitis Pigmentosa
Funded at West Virginia University · NIH-11384637 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant studies how specific retinal extracellular matrix proteins (IMPG1 and IMPG2) affect eye health and contribute to retinitis pigmentosa, with potential implications for people who have or are at risk for inherited blindness.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | West Virginia University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Morgantown, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $380,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY036475-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11384637 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with or at risk for IMPG1/IMPG2-related retinitis pigmentosa or related retinal dystrophies, who could participate in future translational therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without IMPG1/2-related RP or related retinal conditions may not benefit from these specific approaches.
What this research studies
Researchers will use mouse models to explore how the IPM connects nutrient exchange between the retina and the retinal pigment epithelium, and how mutations in IMPG1/2 may drive retinitis pigmentosa from childhood into adulthood. They will track nutrient flow with fluorescence and labeled glucose to understand what goes wrong in RP. The project also tests gene therapy approaches to counteract the effects of IMPG2 mutations and uses new mouse models based on human disease to study early-onset RP. By combining basic biology with potential therapy strategies, the work aims to clarify mechanisms that lead to vision loss and identify targets for intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could pave the way for treatments that slow or prevent retinal degeneration in people with IMPG1/2-related RP.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies linking IPM components to retinal health support the relevance of this approach, though direct IMPG1/2 therapeutic strategies are ongoing/experimental.
Where this research is happening
-
West Virginia University
Morgantown, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Salido, Ezequiel Martin — West Virginia University
- Study coordinator: Salido, Ezequiel Martin
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Inflammation in MERTK-related retinitis pigmentosa
This project aims to understand whether losing the MERTK gene causes retinal inflammation that leads to vision loss in people with MERTK-related retinitis pigmentosa.
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Enhancing cone survival in RP through targeted cell-specific CRISPR therapy
A patient-friendly look at a new approach to protect cone cells in retinitis pigmentosa using precise gene editing to support vision.
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Oral, once-daily MC16 medicine for retinitis pigmentosa
A gene-mutation-agnostic pill (MC16) is being studied to help people with retinitis pigmentosa by addressing a common cellular problem in the eye.
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NAC Attack: a late-stage trial for preserving vision in RP patients
A large, multi-site study is testing whether taking a daily NAC pill can help people with retinitis pigmentosa keep more of their vision.
-
Non-invasive biomarker for mitochondria health in retinitis pigmentosa
Aims to test a new, non-invasive OCT-based biomarker to explain and predict how mitochondria function affects cone cells in people with retinitis pigmentosa.
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Understanding and Treating Inherited Retinal Degeneration to Preserve Vision
A clinician-scientist at Stanford is pursuing gene-agnostic therapies to slow or prevent vision loss from inherited retinal diseases like Retinitis Pigmentosa.
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.