Targeting Sigma 1 Receptor to protect the developing retina in premature babies
Official title: Targeting Sigma 1 receptor as a novel therapy for limiting neurovascular injury in ROP
Funded at Augusta University · NIH-11378298 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are testing a Sigma 1 receptor-based approach to reduce brain and eye damage from prematurity by supporting retinal cells and encouraging normal blood vessel growth.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Augusta University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Augusta, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $385,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY035411-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11378298 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are infants at risk for ROP or with early signs of retinal ischemia where Sig1R-targeted therapies could be safe and effective, pending clinical development.
✕Less likely to help
Infants without retinal ischemia or those not progressing toward abnormal neovascularization are less likely to benefit from Sig1R-targeted therapy at this stage.
What this research studies
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) can cause blindness in children by disrupting how the retina develops its blood vessels. This project proposes activating the Sigma 1 receptor to create a healthier retinal environment, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, and promoting repair and revascularization in ischemic retina. The work will focus on interactions among blood vessels, immune-like retinal cells, and neurons to understand how Sig1R activation can protect vision. The team plans to test this in models relevant to premature retinal disease and evaluate whether Sig1R activation can improve cell survival and vascular healing. If successful, the approach could inform new therapies to preserve vision in at-risk infants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to treatments that protect retinal cells and promote healthy vessel growth, potentially reducing vision loss in premature infants with ROP.
How similar studies have gone: Previous retinal protection studies targeting Sig1R showed neuroprotective and anti-stress effects in retinal cells, suggesting potential benefit, though clinical translation remains early.
Where this research is happening
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Augusta University
Augusta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Jing — Augusta University
- Study coordinator: Wang, 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.