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Professor Maria Balda, University College London - £249,451

The cells in the macula are very active in order to sense light and send that information to the brain. This means that they are exposed to a lot of stress, which can lead to cell damage and sight loss. This research is looking at a biochemical pathway that is believed to be involved in reducing the effects of stress in these cells. This pathway is thought to be impaired in people with age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Dr Colin Chu, UCL, Institute of Ophthalmology - £119,830

This project aims to better understand how cells in the macula work and interact with each other, to understand how this changes with age and macular disease.

Dr Wioleta Zelek, Cardiff University - £120,000

This project is looking to find drugs that can stop the overactive cycle of inflammation, which leads to cell damage in dry AMD.

Professor Karl Matter, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology - £120,000

Research into a gene therapy for dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which aims to maintain the health of cells in the macula that are vital for vision.

Professor Omar Mahroo, UCL, Institute of Ophthalmology – £119,868 (co-funded with Retina UK)

People with Stargardt disease may experience flashing lights in their vision (photopsia) or discomfort due to bright light or glare (photophobia). Both have an impact on daily life but go unrecognised and under-researched by clinicians. This work aims to better understand the prevalence, impact and cause of these symptoms.

Dr Roly Megaw, University of Edinburgh - £119,328 (co-funded with Retina UK)

Different mutations in the RPGR gene lead to quite different types of disease, affecting either the rod or cone photoreceptors, our light-sensing cells in the retina. This project aims to understand the function of the RPGR gene in photoreceptors, to understand why mutations lead to disease, and hopefully identify possible future treatment targets.

Professor Jacqueline van der Spuy, UCL, Institute of Ophthalmology - £120,000 (co-funded with Retina UK)

This project will test whether a novel gene editing technique can repair a mutation that leads to Stargardt disease. Currently there are no treatments for the condition, but gene editing and gene therapy are being investigated. The researchers are hoping to prove that a new technique called prime editing may be able to successfully fix mutations that lead to Stargardt disease, to treat the condition.

Dr Eleni Beli, UCL - £267,533 (co-funded with Diabetes UK)

Disruptions to our body clock can have a surprising impact on our health, including links with eye damage for people living with diabetes. Dr Eleni Beli wants to take a closer look at these links, to understand more about how eye damage can develop and progress. Her research could uncover an innovative new approach to help people with diabetes avoid sight loss.

Prof Karl Matter, UCL - £489,423 (co-funded with Diabetes UK)

High blood sugar levels can lead to damage to our eyes, known as retinopathy. Professor Karl Matter thinks that a protein called MarvelD3, that helps cells to stick together in blood vessels, might hold some answers. His research could provide valuable new insights to develop innovative approaches to protect blood vessels and prevent sight loss for people with diabetes.

Dr Bridgeen Callan, Ulster University - £91,398

This research aims to see if drugs for wet age-related macular disease (AMD), delivered through eye drops, can make their way to the macula.