RPE metabolism and scarring in the back of the eye
Official title: RPE PFKFB3 in subretinal fibrosis
Funded at State University New York Stony Brook · NIH-11420587 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study tests whether blocking a glycolysis enzyme in retinal pigment epithelium cells can prevent scar tissue from forming after abnormal eye blood vessel growth, potentially protecting vision for people with age-related macular degeneration.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University New York Stony Brook NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stony Brook, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R00EY034577-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11420587 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with neovascular AMD at risk of subretinal fibrosis or those who could benefit from future therapies targeting retinal metabolism.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without neovascular AMD or fibrosis history may not directly benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This project explores how metabolism in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells affects the development of subretinal fibrosis, a scar that can form after choroidal neovascularization in AMD. The researchers will use animal models to delete a glycolysis enzyme called Pfkfb3 specifically in RPE cells and see if this reduces fibrosis and preserves vision. By examining changes in cellular behavior and inflammatory signals, they aim to connect metabolic changes to scarring processes. The goal is to identify whether targeting Pfkfb3 could be a therapeutic strategy to prevent irreversible vision loss.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that prevent or lessen subretinal fibrosis and help people with AMD maintain better vision.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies suggest metabolic pathways influence fibrosis, but this project specifically links Pfkfb3 in RPE cells to subretinal scarring, representing a relatively novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
State University New York Stony Brook
Stony Brook, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yang, Qiuhua — State University New York Stony Brook
- Study coordinator: Yang, Qiuhua
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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.