Understanding how genes affect vision loss in retinal diseases
Official title: Gene Regulation Underlying Photoreceptor Neurodegeneration
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-11039630 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a gene called PRDM13 to understand how it helps the cells in your retina that are important for seeing, with the hope of finding new ways to treat vision problems caused by retinal diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $477,109 |
| NIH project number | 1R01EY037077-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11039630 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adults diagnosed with retinal degenerative diseases, particularly those experiencing vision loss.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with retinal conditions unrelated to photoreceptor degeneration may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a specific gene, PRDM13, in the development and survival of photoreceptor cells in the retina, which are crucial for vision. By studying how this gene influences cell identity and fate during retinal development, the research aims to uncover potential therapeutic targets for treating retinal degenerative diseases. The approach involves advanced techniques like ATAC sequencing to analyze gene regulation and its impact on retinal health. Patients with retinal degenerative diseases may benefit from insights gained into preserving vision and developing new treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that help preserve vision in patients suffering from retinal degenerative diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding gene regulation in other retinal conditions, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wert, Katherine Jean — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Wert, Katherine Jean
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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.