Understanding how retinal cells can regenerate to treat eye diseases
Official title: Characterizing Human RPE Cell Proliferation to Advance Endogenous Regeneration
Funded at Regenerative Research Foundation · NIH-10747299 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain eye cells can heal themselves in people with age-related macular degeneration, to find ways to help improve their natural repair processes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Regenerative Research Foundation NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albany, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | February 1, 2021 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $526,346 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY032138-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10747299 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration or similar retinal conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with retinal conditions unrelated to RPE cell proliferation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the ability of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells to regenerate and repair themselves, particularly in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The team will analyze the factors that influence RPE cell proliferation in a controlled environment, using advanced techniques like mass spectrometry and bioinformatics. By identifying the molecules that promote or inhibit cell division, the research aims to develop strategies that could enhance the natural repair processes of the retina in affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enable the retina to heal itself, potentially improving vision for patients with AMD.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in enhancing cell proliferation in vitro, but this approach to understanding in vivo regeneration is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
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Regenerative Research Foundation
Albany, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Temple, Sally — Regenerative Research Foundation
- Study coordinator: Temple, Sally
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.