Understanding how the blood-retina barrier affects eye health
Blood outer retina barrier regulation
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE · NIH-11123708
This study is looking at how a special layer in the eye helps keep the light-sensing cells healthy by transporting important nutrients, and it aims to find out how changes in this process might lead to eye diseases like age-related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa, which could help improve treatment options for patients.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LOUISVILLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11123708 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in transporting essential nutrients and metabolites to the outer retina, which is crucial for maintaining photoreceptor health. By using advanced techniques like mass spectroscopy and single-cell RNA sequencing, the study aims to understand how metabolic changes in the RPE and choroid circulation contribute to retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and retinitis pigmentosa. Patients may benefit from insights gained about how to better manage or treat these conditions based on metabolic pathways identified during the research.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing symptoms of age-related macular degeneration or retinitis pigmentosa.
Not a fit: Patients with retinal diseases unrelated to metabolic changes may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating age-related macular degeneration and other retinal diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding metabolic pathways in retinal diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
LOUISVILLE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE — LOUISVILLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: DEAN, DOUGLAS CHASE — UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE
- Study coordinator: DEAN, DOUGLAS CHASE
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 below.
Conditions: age related macular disease