Understanding a Key Component in Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Official title: Role of Bruch Membrane Heparan Sulfate in Drusenogenesis in Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11101418 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This work explores how a specific sugar molecule in the eye's support layer contributes to the deposits that cause vision loss in dry age-related macular degeneration.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $254,770 |
| NIH project number | 5K08EY035322-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11101418 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational research is for patients with age-related macular degeneration who are seeking future treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without age-related macular degeneration would not directly benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness, especially the 'dry' form, which currently has no treatments. In dry AMD, fatty deposits called drusen build up in the macula, harming vision. We are looking closely at a part of the eye called Bruch's membrane, specifically focusing on a sugar molecule called heparan sulfate. By understanding how changes in this molecule contribute to drusen formation, we hope to uncover new ways to prevent or treat this condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for early and intermediate dry age-related macular degeneration, a condition for which there are currently no options.
How similar studies have gone: While the general role of these molecules in other diseases is known, their specific contribution to drusen formation in AMD is a relatively new area of focus.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Toomey, Christopher B — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Toomey, Christopher B
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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.