Stopping harmful retinal blood vessel growth by targeting GRP78
GRP78 signaling and retinal angiogenesis
Researchers are trying to block a protein called GRP78 to stop abnormal blood vessel growth in the eyes of people with diabetic retinopathy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11303410 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Retinal neovascularization—abnormal blood vessel growth in the eye—can cause vision loss in people with diabetic retinopathy. This project studies how the protein GRP78 controls harmful angiogenesis using laboratory and animal models that mimic human disease. The team is working to separate the pathological VEGF-driven signals from normal blood vessel repair so treatments can target only the bad vessels. If successful, the findings could point to drugs that prevent sight-threatening vessel growth without damaging healthy retinal blood vessels.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with diabetic retinopathy who have, or are at high risk for, retinal neovascularization would be the most likely candidates for related treatments or future trials.
Not a fit: People whose vision loss is not caused by abnormal retinal blood vessels or those without diabetic retinopathy are unlikely to benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to treatments that prevent sight‑threatening retinal blood vessel growth while preserving normal vessels.
How similar studies have performed: Anti‑VEGF drugs already reduce abnormal retinal vessels but can harm normal vessels, and targeting GRP78 is a newer, largely preclinical approach with limited prior clinical testing.
Where this research is happening
Memphis, United States
- University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr — Memphis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rao, Gadiparthi N — University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr
- Study coordinator: Rao, Gadiparthi N
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.