Understanding how glucose metabolism affects retinal health and diseases like age-related macular degeneration.
Official title: Regulators of Photoreceptor Aerobic Glycolysis in Retinal Health and Disease
Funded at University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr · NIH-10915605 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the way our bodies process sugar affects eye health, especially for people with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), by exploring how certain enzymes help convert sugar into important substances for our cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oklahoma City, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $429,322 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY035282-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10915605 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing or at risk of age-related macular degeneration.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with retinal diseases unrelated to age-related macular degeneration may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of glucose metabolism in retinal health, particularly focusing on age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It examines how certain enzymes, specifically pyruvate kinase M2 and aldolase, regulate the conversion of glucose into essential molecules for cell function. By studying these processes, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms that lead to dysregulation in AMD, which affects millions of people. The approach includes laboratory experiments to analyze enzyme activity and its impact on retinal cells.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for preventing or treating age-related macular degeneration, potentially preserving vision for millions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding metabolic processes in retinal health, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr
Oklahoma City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rajala, Raju Vs — University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr
- Study coordinator: Rajala, Raju Vs
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.