Understanding how mitochondrial problems affect eye blood vessel diseases
Official title: Investigating the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of retinal vascular diseases
Funded at Yale University · NIH-10887541 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how problems with tiny energy factories in our cells, called mitochondria, might affect blood vessel growth in the eye, which is important for people with conditions like diabetic retinopathy, to help find new ways to treat these eye diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $418,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY033333-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10887541 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with retinal vascular diseases such as diabetic retinopathy or familial exudative vitreoretinopathy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with retinal conditions not related to vascular issues or those without mitochondrial dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in the development of retinal vascular diseases, which are conditions affecting the blood vessels in the eye. The study focuses on how mitochondrial proteins influence the process of angiogenesis, or the formation of new blood vessels, which can be impaired or excessive in diseases like diabetic retinopathy. By using advanced in vitro models and genetically modified mice, the researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms by which mitochondrial activity impacts endothelial cell behavior and retinal blood vessel growth. This could lead to new insights into potential therapeutic targets for these eye diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for retinal vascular diseases, potentially improving vision and quality of life for affected patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting mitochondrial function can influence angiogenesis, suggesting that this approach may yield promising results.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhou, Jenny Huanjiao — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Zhou, Jenny Huanjiao
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Topical HIF-1 inhibitors to treat retinal and choroidal vascular diseases
A Johns Hopkins team is testing eye drops that block HIF-1 to help people with retinal and choroidal blood vessel problems respond better to treatment.
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A portable photoacoustic device to help diagnose vascular diseases
A small, battery-powered imaging tool uses light and sound to help detect blood vessel problems at the point of care without harming patients.
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Mitochondrial function and retinal blood vessel disease
This grant explores how tiny power plants inside cells (mitochondria) influence the growth of retinal blood vessels in conditions like age-related macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease, with the goal of finding new paths to protect vision.
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How blood vessel and immune cell metabolism shapes artery disease
This project looks at how changes in energy use inside artery-lining cells, artery muscle cells, and immune cells affect people with atherosclerosis.
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Handheld light-and-sound scanner for blood vessel problems
A portable device that uses safe light-plus-ultrasound imaging to find and monitor blood vessel problems for people with conditions like diabetes or peripheral artery disease.
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How mitochondria affect retinal blood vessel health
This project looks at whether problems in mitochondria change how blood vessels grow in the retina, which matters to people with conditions like diabetic retinopathy or other retinal blood-vessel diseases.
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.