Understanding Stargardt disease in African Americans
Official title: Stargardt/ABCA4 disease in African Americans
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-10856637 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how Stargardt disease and similar eye conditions affect African American patients by checking their genes and health, so we can learn more about these diseases and improve care for everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $650,058 |
| NIH project number | 1R01EY036061-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10856637 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are African American individuals who have been diagnosed with Stargardt disease or related retinal disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have Stargardt disease or related retinal disorders, or those outside the African American demographic, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the genetic and clinical characteristics of Stargardt disease and related retinal disorders specifically in African American patients. By employing advanced genetic screening techniques and analyzing clinical data, the study aims to identify the variations in the ABCA4 gene that contribute to these conditions. The goal is to fill the knowledge gap regarding how these diseases manifest in underserved populations, which has been largely overlooked in previous research. Participants will undergo genetic testing and clinical evaluations to better understand the disease's impact on their vision and overall health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment options for African American patients suffering from Stargardt disease and related retinal disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been significant research on ABCA4-related diseases in European populations, this study is novel as it focuses specifically on African American patients, who have been underrepresented in genetic research.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Allikmets, Rando L — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Allikmets, Rando L
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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.