Stopping scar tissue under the retina by targeting the A2A adenosine receptor
Adenosine receptor 2A in subretinal fibrosis
Explores whether blocking a protein called the A2A adenosine receptor can prevent or reduce scarring under the retina in people with wet (neovascular) age-related macular degeneration.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11286835 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project studies how the A2A adenosine receptor contributes to scar formation beneath the retina in wet AMD. Researchers use lab-grown cells and mouse models that recreate the abnormal blood vessel growth and scarring seen in neovascular AMD, and they compare normal animals with mice lacking the A2A receptor. The team examines how blood-vessel cells and immune cells change into scar-forming cells and tests whether reducing A2A activity limits that process. Results are intended to identify drug targets that could stop or shrink subretinal scars and help protect vision.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with active neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration who are at risk of or beginning to develop subretinal fibrosis would be the most relevant candidates for related treatments or future trials.
Not a fit: People with dry (non-neovascular) AMD, other causes of vision loss, or long-standing end-stage scarring are less likely to benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new treatments that prevent or reduce subretinal scarring and help preserve vision in people with wet AMD.
How similar studies have performed: Early animal and cell studies, including the investigators' preliminary mouse data, suggest A2A blockade can reduce fibrosis and inflammation, but this specific approach has not yet been tested in humans.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Baylor College of Medicine — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huo, Yuqing — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Huo, Yuqing
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.