Understanding how mitochondrial DNA mutations affect eye health.
Official title: Characterizing the role of mitochondrial DNA mutations on retinal degeneration.
Funded at Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru · NIH-11030742 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in the tiny energy factories in our cells, called mitochondria, might cause eye problems like age-related macular degeneration, and it’s for anyone interested in understanding more about what affects our vision as we age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F31EY035133-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11030742 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing age-related retinal degeneration or those at risk for conditions like age-related macular degeneration.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with retinal degeneration due to non-mitochondrial causes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of mitochondrial DNA mutations in causing retinal degeneration, which can lead to serious eye disorders like age-related macular degeneration. By using advanced pre-clinical models, the study aims to explore how damage to mitochondrial DNA impacts retinal cell health and contributes to degeneration. The researchers will utilize specific tools to increase the mutation rate of mitochondrial DNA and observe the resulting effects on retinal health in both animal and cellular models. This approach will help clarify the relationship between mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and retinal diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights and potential treatments for age-related retinal diseases, improving vision and quality of life for affected patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that mitochondrial dysfunction plays a significant role in retinal diseases, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sturgis, Johnathon Brian — Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
- Study coordinator: Sturgis, Johnathon Brian
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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.