Abstract

Retinal degenerations collectively represent the leading cause of irreversible vision loss worldwide, and there is no FDA approved treatment to replace damaged retinal cells. Our long-term goal is to identify a safe and efficient method to generate RPE replacement cells. The hypothesis of this proposal is that a combination of defined factors can covert fibroblasts into functional iRPE.
The Aims of this proposal are to 1) Utilize high-throughput assays to comprehensively screen a transcription factor library and small molecule library for candidates that can convert fibroblasts into RPE replacement cells and 2) determine if RPE replacement cells perform similarly to authentic RPE cells.

  Funding Agency

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01EY025667-02
Application #
9147621
Study Section
Bioengineering of Neuroscience, Vision and Low Vision Technologies Study Section (BNVT)
Program Officer
Neuhold, Lisa
Project Start
2015-09-30
Project End
2020-08-31
Budget Start
2016-09-01
Budget End
2017-08-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2016
Total Cost
$365,000
Indirect Cost
$115,000

  Institution

Name
University of North Texas
Department
Surgery
Type
Schools of Osteopathic Medicine
DUNS #
110091808
City
Fort Worth
State
TX
Country
United States
Zip Code
76107

  Publications

Chavala, Sai H; Williamson, Jennifer F; Postel, Eric A (2016) Embolic central retinal artery occlusion after subcutaneous auricular steroid injection. Lancet 387:2235
Rao, Vishal N; Ulrich, J Niklas; Viera, Anthony J et al. (2016) AMBULATORY BLOOD PRESSURE PATTERNS IN PATIENTS WITH RETINAL VEIN OCCLUSION. Retina 36:2304-2310
Batliwala, Shehzad Y; Perez, Maria; Aston, William et al. (2016) Peripheral Retinal Telangiectasia and Ischemia in Takayasu Arteritis. Arthritis Rheumatol 68:2350