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Mutations in CFI gene: which are harmless or harmful?
Professor David Kavanagh, Newcastle University - £98,506
This project aims to analyse different mutations in the gene CFI, which has been shown to be highly involved in age-related macular disease (AMD). Some mutations have been strongly linked to an increased risk of developing AMD, but some mutations have no effect on your risk.
Investigating the genetics of cone dystrophy
Dr Cristina Martinez Fernandez, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford -£24,700
Cone dystrophy is often caused by genetic mutations on a single gene, RPGR (Retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator), leading to the loss of central vision by affecting the cone photoreceptors across the retina and around the macula. This condition can significantly impact a person’s ability to perceive color and detail, particularly in bright light conditions.
Using gene therapy to investigate the pathways involved in AMD progression
Dr Ioan Matei, Edgehill University - £24,943
Gene editing is a process by which the structure of a gene can be changed by modifying the DNA sequence. The technique used is called CRISPR Cas-9 and can be thought of as a pair of scissors that can cut out, swap around or add in parts of a gene.
Creating a new laboratory macular model
Professor Rachael Pearson, KCL Centre for Gene Therapy & Regenerative Medicine - £24,912
The macula, located in the retina at the back of the eye, is responsible for central vision, color perception, and fine detail.
Looking at the connection between proline transport and macular health
Dr David Sauer, University of Oxford - £25,000
Macular health relies heavily on an amino acid called proline. It is a precursor for one of the nutrients that the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is responsible for supplying to the photoreceptors of the macula. Proline is transferred using a transporter protein called SIT-1.
Multi-dimensional imaging in early AMD
Dr Richard Unwin, Manchester University -£23,931
Early age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is closely linked to the switching on and off of the part of the immune system called the complement system. This system is genetically influenced and plays a key role in inflammation and defending against bacterial infections.
The impact of misaligned daily light cycles on the development of diabetic retinopathy
Dr Eleni Beli, Queen’s University Belfast - £25,000
Circadian rhythms affect many processes in the eye. This research investigates the link between day length and the development of diabetic retinopathy (DR) by exposing mice to day lengths made artificially either longer or shorter than 24 hours.
The role of the protein ABCC5 in diabetic macular oedema
Prof Heidi de Wet, University of Oxford - £25,000
This research project investigates the protein ABCC5 and its role in diabetic macular oedema (DMO).
The zebrafish’s high-acuity zone as a novel model for the human macula
Dr Takeshi Yoshimatsu, University of Sussex - £25,000
One of the constraints that research into macular disease can come up against is that very few animals have a macula, making it difficult to mimic the human eye.
Improving reading aids for those with macular conditions
Dr Dirk Seidel, Glasgow Caledonian University - £23,396
Macular damage impairs the ability to scan text. A healthy eye has pauses in the scanning process and this improves reading speed, accuracy and the overall pleasure in reading. This project will try to improve reading apps by mimicking these natural features of the eye.