Understanding how inflammation affects retinal degeneration in older adults
Official title: Mechanisms of proinflammatory glial activation in retinal degeneration
Funded at Yale University · NIH-10996166 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the immune system affects age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in older adults, aiming to find new ways to reduce inflammation and slow down the disease by examining certain cells in the eye.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $280,704 |
| NIH project number | 5K08EY033013-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10996166 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing early to late stages of age-related macular degeneration.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with retinal degeneration not related to age or those with other unrelated eye conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of immune system activation in the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a common eye condition in older adults. Using advanced techniques like CRISPR-Cas9, the study aims to identify specific immune checkpoints that, when dysregulated, contribute to inflammation and retinal damage. Researchers will analyze microglial cells, which are crucial for maintaining retinal health, to understand how their activation is influenced by the disease environment. By profiling these cells at different stages of AMD, the study seeks to uncover potential new therapeutic targets to reduce inflammation and slow disease progression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that slow down or prevent vision loss in patients with age-related macular degeneration.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting inflammatory pathways in other conditions, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach to AMD.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Distasio, Marcello Michael — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Distasio, Marcello Michael
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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.