Understanding the connection between the brain, gut, and retina in diabetic eye disease
Brain-gut-retina axis in diabetic retinopathy
This study is looking at how certain immune cells might cause problems in the eyes of people with diabetes, which can lead to vision loss, and it aims to find out how these cells interact with the brain and gut to better understand and potentially improve treatment for diabetic retinopathy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11017718 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how the brain-gut-retina axis becomes dysfunctional in diabetic retinopathy (DR), a condition that can lead to vision loss in people with diabetes. It focuses on the role of immune cells, particularly Th17 cells, which are typically found in the gut and may contribute to inflammation in the retina when their function is altered. By studying the interactions between these immune cells and the nervous system, the research aims to uncover new mechanisms that drive the progression of DR. The approach includes both loss-of-function and gain-of-function studies to understand how changes in the brain affect immune responses in the gut and retina.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with diabetes who are at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy.
Not a fit: Patients without diabetes or those who do not have any signs of diabetic retinopathy may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for preventing or treating diabetic retinopathy.
How similar studies have performed: While the concept of the brain-gut axis is gaining attention, this specific investigation into its role in diabetic retinopathy is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
Birmingham, United States
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Grant, Maria Bartolomeo — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Grant, Maria Bartolomeo
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.