Corneal gene therapy to treat scarring
Official title: Corneal gene therapy development
Funded at University of Missouri-Columbia · NIH-11430841 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to test a gene therapy approach delivered to the cornea to reduce fibrosis and restore clarity in people with corneal scarring.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Missouri-Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2026 |
| Project end | May 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $708,748 |
| NIH project number | 1R01EY039316-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11430841 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with corneal injuries or scarring who are candidates for corneal therapy approaches may be eligible in future steps.
✕Less likely to help
People without corneal scarring or not suitable for topical gene therapy may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project explores delivering therapeutic genes directly to the cornea to target the cells responsible for scarring after injury. It builds on findings that links between Sirt1, inflammation, autophagy, and fibrotic processes may drive corneal fibrosis. Using topical delivery, the study plans to modulate multiple disease pathways at once, with a focus on safety and potential to reduce the need for corneal transplants. The work combines human data and animal models to understand how the therapy changes cell behavior and tissue remodeling in the cornea.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could lessen corneal scarring and preserve or restore vision, reducing dependence on corneal transplants.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies show that gene delivery to the cornea can influence fibrosis in models, but this exact approach is still under investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mohan, Rajiv Ravindra — University of Missouri-Columbia
- Study coordinator: Mohan, Rajiv Ravindra
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.