Understanding how vision loss occurs in retinitis pigmentosa
Official title: The role of plasticity in loss of vision caused by retinitis pigmentosa
Funded at University of Arizona · NIH-11267759 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how vision loss happens in people with retinitis pigmentosa by using a special mouse model, and it hopes to find ways to help the brain adapt better to this condition, which could lead to new treatments to help preserve vision.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $304,804 |
| NIH project number | 7R01EY035885-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11267759 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa who are experiencing progressive vision loss.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of vision impairment unrelated to retinitis pigmentosa may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind vision loss in individuals with retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a genetic condition that leads to progressive blindness. By studying a specific mouse model that mimics human RP, researchers aim to understand how the brain adapts to the gradual loss of photoreceptors in the retina. The study will explore whether enhancing or reducing the brain's plasticity can influence the progression of vision loss. This could provide insights into potential therapeutic strategies for preserving vision in affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that help maintain vision in patients with retinitis pigmentosa.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding visual plasticity, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Arizona
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcgee, Aaron W — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Mcgee, Aaron W
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Inflammation in MERTK-related retinitis pigmentosa
This project aims to understand whether losing the MERTK gene causes retinal inflammation that leads to vision loss in people with MERTK-related retinitis pigmentosa.
-
Enhancing cone survival in RP through targeted cell-specific CRISPR therapy
A patient-friendly look at a new approach to protect cone cells in retinitis pigmentosa using precise gene editing to support vision.
-
Oral, once-daily MC16 medicine for retinitis pigmentosa
A gene-mutation-agnostic pill (MC16) is being studied to help people with retinitis pigmentosa by addressing a common cellular problem in the eye.
-
Role of IPM Proteoglycans in Retinal Health and Inherited Blindness
This grant studies how specific retinal extracellular matrix proteins (IMPG1 and IMPG2) affect eye health and contribute to retinitis pigmentosa, with potential implications for people who have or are at risk for inherited blindness.
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NAC Attack: a late-stage trial for preserving vision in RP patients
A large, multi-site study is testing whether taking a daily NAC pill can help people with retinitis pigmentosa keep more of their vision.
-
Non-invasive biomarker for mitochondria health in retinitis pigmentosa
Aims to test a new, non-invasive OCT-based biomarker to explain and predict how mitochondria function affects cone cells in people with retinitis pigmentosa.
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.