NIH-funded research U01 cooperative agreement

Understanding how age-related macular degeneration affects cell metabolism

Official title: Metabolism of AMD iPSC-derived RPE

Funded at University of Washington · NIH-10925253 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how certain eye cells from people with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) use nutrients and change over time, with the hope of finding new ways to treat this condition and help prevent vision loss.

Quick facts

Grant typeU01 cooperative agreement
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Washington
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Seattle, United States)
Project startSeptember 30, 2022
Project endAugust 31, 2025
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$416,628
NIH project number5U01EY034591-03
Project IDNIH-10925253 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 65 and older who are affected by age-related macular degeneration.

Less likely to help

Patients under the age of 65 or those without age-related macular degeneration may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the metabolism of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) of patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). By studying these cells in a controlled laboratory setting, researchers aim to identify the metabolic changes that occur in AMD, including how nutrients and metabolites affect cell function. The project seeks to improve the understanding of disease mechanisms and develop potential therapeutic targets for AMD. Patients may benefit from insights gained that could lead to new treatments for this common cause of blindness.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for preventing or treating age-related macular degeneration.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research using iPSC-derived models has shown promise in understanding AMD, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Washington
    Seattle, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Chao, Jennifer Rayming — University of Washington
  • Study coordinator: Chao, Jennifer Rayming

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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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.