RORα and persistent inflammation under the retina in age-related macular degeneration
RORalpha mediates chronic subretinal inflammation associated with AMD
This project looks at whether a protein called RORα controls lasting inflammation under the retina that contributes to age-related macular degeneration in older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11099936 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You should know researchers are studying how RORα, a protein that senses cholesterol, affects long-term inflammation beneath the retina. They use laboratory models and molecular tests to see how RORα changes immune cell behavior, lipid handling, and complement factors linked to AMD. The team ties those findings to known genetic risk factors like complement factor H and examines eye and liver tissue signals. The goal is to find biological steps that could be targeted to protect aging retinas.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with age-related macular degeneration—especially those with atrophic (dry) AMD or signs of chronic subretinal inflammation—would be the most relevant group for future related studies or sample donation.
Not a fit: People without AMD or whose vision loss is caused by other eye conditions are unlikely to get direct benefit from this specific work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to reduce harmful chronic inflammation and slow vision loss in people with AMD.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal and molecular studies have linked RORα, lipid metabolism, and complement factors to retinal inflammation, but translating RORα-targeted approaches to human therapy remains largely untested.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston Children's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Jing — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Chen, Jing
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.