Understanding how metabolism works in healthy and diseased retinas

Regulators of retinal metabolism in healthy and degenerating retinas

NIH-funded research University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10902023

This study is looking at how the energy processes in the eye work when everything is healthy and what goes wrong in conditions like age-related macular degeneration, with a focus on a protein called AMPK that helps manage these processes.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Pittsburgh, United States)
Project IDNIH-10902023 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the metabolic processes in the retina, focusing on how these processes are maintained in healthy conditions and disrupted in degenerating retinas. The study specifically examines the role of AMPK, a key regulator of metabolism, and its interaction with other proteins that influence mitochondrial function. By using various experimental approaches, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind retinal metabolism, which could lead to new insights into age-related macular degeneration and other retinal diseases.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing age-related macular degeneration or other forms of retinal degeneration.

Not a fit: Patients with retinal conditions unrelated to metabolic dysfunction may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for retinal diseases, potentially improving vision and quality of life for affected patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding metabolic regulation in other tissues, suggesting potential for success in this area as well.

Where this research is happening

Pittsburgh, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.