Concentrated eye lens proteins and how they affect cataracts
Official title: Phase boundaries and liquid structure of concentrated eye lens protein mixtures
Funded at Rochester Institute of Technology · NIH-11364914 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project investigates how eye lens proteins behave in crowded mixtures to better understand why cataracts form and how light is scattered in the lens.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rochester Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2025 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $145,019 |
| NIH project number | 5R16EY038629-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11364914 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable for this specific grant since it is a basic science project; future translation may benefit people with cataracts.
✕Less likely to help
No direct patient participation or treatment is involved in this grant.
What this research studies
The research aims to map how major lens proteins interact in concentrated mixtures and to connect these interactions with the physical changes that lead to cataracts. Scientists will use a combination of experiments (x-ray scattering, NMR, light scattering, neutron scattering) and computer simulations to build a detailed picture of lens protein behavior. Undergraduate researchers will gain hands-on training in biochemistry while helping to connect molecular features with lens clarity and disease risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to new ways to prevent or delay cataract-related vision loss by revealing how lens proteins misbehave in dense environments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies in lens biochemistry and protein phase behavior support the feasibility of studying crystallin mixtures.
Where this research is happening
-
Rochester Institute of Technology
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thurston, George — Rochester Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Thurston, George
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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.