Understanding how ADAM9 affects eye health and disease

The role of ADAM9 in retinal health and disease

NIH-funded research University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11142677

This study is looking at a protein called ADAM9 to understand how it affects eye health and could help find new treatments for vision loss, especially for people dealing with retinal diseases.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Birmingham, United States)
Project IDNIH-11142677 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of a specific protein, ADAM9, in the health of the retina and its involvement in diseases that cause vision loss. By studying genetically modified mouse models, researchers aim to uncover how mutations in ADAM9 lead to degeneration of photoreceptors, which are crucial for vision. The project will utilize advanced techniques to analyze the interactions between photoreceptors and the retinal pigment epithelium, potentially revealing new insights into retinal diseases. Patients may benefit from findings that could lead to new treatments for conditions like blindness caused by retinal degeneration.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals with genetic mutations affecting ADAM9 and those experiencing retinal degeneration.

Not a fit: Patients with retinal diseases not related to ADAM9 mutations may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for preventing or treating retinal diseases that cause blindness.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research in animal models has shown promising results in understanding the role of ADAM proteins in retinal health, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Birmingham, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.