Corneal Healing: How Epithelium and Stroma Talk to Prevent Scarring
Official title: Corneal Epithelial-Stromal Interactions During Regeneration and Fibrosis
Funded at Schepens Eye Research Institute · NIH-11418979 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study exploring how the surface layer of the cornea and the underlying tissue communicate to control healing and scarring after an injury.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Schepens Eye Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 1984 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $616,322 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY005665-41 |
| Project ID | NIH-11418979 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with corneal injuries or diseases that affect healing and risk fibrosis may benefit from the findings and future therapies.
✕Less likely to help
People without corneal injuries or with non-fibrotic healing processes may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project investigates how corneal epithelial cells and stromal cells signal to each other during wound healing and how this communication influences fibrosis. It focuses on paracrine signals and extracellular vesicles as messengers that may steer cells toward or away from scar-forming myofibroblasts. The work builds on previous findings about TGF-β isoforms and aims to uncover molecular mechanisms that dampen fibrosis to preserve corneal transparency. By understanding these interactions, the research could point to new ways to promote healthy healing after corneal injuries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to strategies that reduce scar formation and preserve vision after corneal injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work shows that specific cytokines and EVs influence corneal healing, with some approaches reducing fibrosis in models, but the complete mechanism remains under study.
Where this research is happening
-
Schepens Eye Research Institute
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ciolino, Joseph B. — Schepens Eye Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Ciolino, Joseph B.
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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.