Understanding how astrocytes influence blood vessel growth in the retina
Official title: Astrocyte-specific molecular cues guiding retinal angiogenesis
Funded at Duke University · NIH-10877683 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells help grow blood vessels in the eye, which is important for good vision, and it aims to find out how these cells send signals that could lead to better treatments for eye diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $81,892 |
| NIH project number | 5F32EY035119-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10877683 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children under 11 years old who may be at risk for retinal diseases such as retinopathy of prematurity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with retinal conditions unrelated to angiogenesis or those over the age of 11 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of astrocytes, a type of brain cell, in guiding the growth of blood vessels in the retina, which is crucial for vision. The study aims to identify specific molecular signals produced by astrocytes that help direct the formation of these blood vessels during development. By examining how these signals affect specialized cells called tip cells, the research seeks to uncover mechanisms that could lead to better treatments for retinal diseases. The findings could enhance our understanding of how the nervous system develops and functions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies for retinal conditions, potentially improving vision and quality of life for affected patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of astrocytes in other areas of the nervous system, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Valdez-Lopez, Juan — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Valdez-Lopez, Juan
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.