Understanding how certain retinal cells survive in a mouse model of Retinitis Pigmentosa
Official title: Elucidating the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying cone survival in the peripheral retina in mouse models of Retinitis Pigmentosa
Funded at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary · NIH-11127422 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain cells in the eye can stay healthy even when other cells are damaged in people with Retinitis Pigmentosa, and it hopes to find new ways to help protect vision for those affected by this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2021 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R00EY032110-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11127422 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa, particularly those experiencing vision loss due to cone degeneration.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with Retinitis Pigmentosa who have not experienced any degeneration of their cone photoreceptors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms that allow cone photoreceptors in the peripheral retina to survive in mouse models of Retinitis Pigmentosa, a condition that leads to vision loss. By using advanced techniques such as RNA sequencing and gene deletion, the researchers aim to identify factors that contribute to the survival of these cells after rod photoreceptor degeneration. The findings could pave the way for new therapies that protect vision in patients with this inherited retinal disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that preserve vision in individuals affected by Retinitis Pigmentosa.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding retinal cell survival mechanisms, but this specific approach focusing on peripheral cone survival is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Amamoto, Ryoji — Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
- Study coordinator: Amamoto, Ryoji
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Inflammation in MERTK-related retinitis pigmentosa
This project aims to understand whether losing the MERTK gene causes retinal inflammation that leads to vision loss in people with MERTK-related retinitis pigmentosa.
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Enhancing cone survival in RP through targeted cell-specific CRISPR therapy
A patient-friendly look at a new approach to protect cone cells in retinitis pigmentosa using precise gene editing to support vision.
-
Oral, once-daily MC16 medicine for retinitis pigmentosa
A gene-mutation-agnostic pill (MC16) is being studied to help people with retinitis pigmentosa by addressing a common cellular problem in the eye.
-
Role of IPM Proteoglycans in Retinal Health and Inherited Blindness
This grant studies how specific retinal extracellular matrix proteins (IMPG1 and IMPG2) affect eye health and contribute to retinitis pigmentosa, with potential implications for people who have or are at risk for inherited blindness.
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NAC Attack: a late-stage trial for preserving vision in RP patients
A large, multi-site study is testing whether taking a daily NAC pill can help people with retinitis pigmentosa keep more of their vision.
-
Non-invasive biomarker for mitochondria health in retinitis pigmentosa
Aims to test a new, non-invasive OCT-based biomarker to explain and predict how mitochondria function affects cone cells in people with retinitis pigmentosa.
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.