Calcium-sensing receptor effects on the eye surface and dry eye
Roles of CaSR in ocular surface health and disease
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · NIH-11326751
This research focuses on blocking a calcium-sensing receptor on the eye surface to boost tear production and help people with dry eye.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11326751 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are focusing on a receptor on eye-surface cells called the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) that appears to control fluid movement across the cornea and conjunctiva. They will use animal models and human eye cell samples to test small molecules that block CaSR, including a compound called NPS-2143, to see if blocking the receptor increases chloride secretion and tear fluid. The team will study how CaSR affects ion channels such as CFTR that control tear production and ocular surface hydration. The goal is to generate data needed to move CaSR inhibitors toward clinical testing for people with dry eye disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with dry eye disease, especially those with reduced tear volume and ocular surface dryness, would be the likely candidates for future trials of CaSR inhibitors.
Not a fit: Patients whose dry eye is primarily due to structural eyelid problems or advanced autoimmune destruction (for example severe Sjögren's with gland loss) may not benefit from a drug that mainly increases tear secretion.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new medicines that increase tear volume and reduce symptoms and surface damage from dry eye disease.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical lab and animal data (including mouse studies showing ~100% increased tear volume with a CaSR inhibitor) look promising, but this approach has not yet been tested in people.
Where this research is happening
SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO — SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CIL, ONUR — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO
- Study coordinator: CIL, ONUR
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.
Conditions: Animal Disease Models, Animal Diseases