# Choriocapillaris Protection and Replacement in AMD

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF IOWA · 2024 · $405,654

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a major cause of blindness worldwide that is characterized by
pathologic changes at the retinal pigment epithelium-choriocapillaris interface. We recently found that loss of
endothelial cells of the choriocapillaris is related to the earliest clinical signs of AMD, and that a reduced
vascular density and increased number of “ghost” vessels are related to the size and number of drusen and
other sub-RPE deposits. Compelling evidence suggest that activation of the terminal complement pathway and
formation of the membrane attack complex (MAC) at the level of the choriocapillaris is a likely cause of
vascular loss and AMD pathogenesis. In this proposal we seek to identify the molecular and cellular responses
of choroidal endothelial cells to MAC assembly; to determine what makes choroidal endothelial cells
susceptible to MAC attack; and to determine if donor cell CFH genotype has an impact on integrative capacity,
function and longevity of iPSC-derived choroidal endothelial cells following transplantation. We anticipate that
completion of the aims outlined in this application will result in an important new understanding of disease
pathophysiology, which will allow us to further develop treatments focused on protecting and replacing
damaged blood vessels in AMD.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10903889
- **Project number:** 5R01EY024605-10
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF IOWA
- **Principal Investigator:** Robert Foster Mullins
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $405,654
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2014-08-01 → 2027-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10903889

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10903889, Choriocapillaris Protection and Replacement in AMD (5R01EY024605-10). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10903889. Licensed CC0.

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