Understanding the causes of severe diabetic retinopathy
Official title: Molecular Mechanisms of Severe Diabetic Retinopathy
Funded at State University of New York at Buffalo · NIH-11190947 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how a specific process in the eye can lead to serious vision problems for people with diabetes, and it hopes to find new ways to help prevent these issues for those affected by diabetic retinopathy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University of New York at Buffalo NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Amherst, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2020 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $471,921 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY030970-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11190947 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who have been diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without diabetes or those who do not have diabetic retinopathy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the underlying mechanisms that lead to severe diabetic retinopathy, a condition that can cause blindness in working-age adults. The study focuses on a specific pathway involving NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4), which is known to contribute to vascular damage in the retina. By examining how Nox4 affects retinal cells and leads to complications in diabetes, the research aims to identify potential long-term treatments to prevent the progression of this debilitating condition. Patients with diabetic retinopathy may benefit from insights gained through this research, which could lead to new therapeutic strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent the progression of diabetic retinopathy and reduce the risk of blindness.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting similar pathways in diabetic retinopathy, indicating that this approach may lead to meaningful advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
State University of New York at Buffalo
Amherst, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Sarah X — State University of New York at Buffalo
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Sarah X
Related research
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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.