RPE cell signaling linked to choroid damage in macular degeneration
Official title: Aberrant RPE mTORC1 signaling in dysregulation of choroid homeostasis
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-11479819 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This work looks at whether overactive signaling in retinal pigment cells causes loss of the blood-vessel layer under the retina in people with age-related macular degeneration.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2016 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $359,151 |
| NIH project number | 7R01EY026999-10 |
| Project ID | NIH-11479819 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with age-related macular degeneration, especially those with early choroidal thinning or signs of RPE dysfunction, would be most relevant for follow-up studies or future trials based on this work.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose vision loss is due to other retinal diseases (such as diabetic retinopathy or glaucoma) or those with very advanced, irreversible retinal damage may not benefit from findings focused on choroidal protection.
What this research studies
Researchers are studying how overactive mTORC1 signaling in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) may cause the choriocapillaris (the blood-vessel layer under the retina) to shrink. They use mouse models with RPE-specific mTORC1 activation, measure ANGPT2 levels released by RPE, and test whether the phosphoprotein DARPP-32 controls that secretion. The team combines molecular lab experiments, cell studies, and choroidal imaging to trace how RPE dysfunction leads to vessel loss beneath the retina. Results could identify targets to prevent or slow choroidal atrophy in AMD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new treatments that protect the choroid and slow vision loss in age-related macular degeneration.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies targeting ANGPT2/Tie2 signaling in eye disease have shown promise in animal models, but the proposed link from RPE mTORC1 through DARPP-32 to ANGPT2 secretion is a novel mechanism.
Where this research is happening
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University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Yan — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Chen, Yan
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.