Developing new animal models for a corneal disease that causes blindness
Official title: New animal model for late-onset Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy
Funded at University of Oregon · NIH-11015022 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a genetic eye condition called Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy, which can cause blindness, and aims to create animal models to better understand how it works so that new treatments can be developed to help people with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Oregon NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Eugene, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $186,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R21EY034967-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11015022 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with late-onset Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy, particularly those with a family history of the condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-onset forms of corneal dystrophy or those without a genetic predisposition to FECD may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD), a genetic condition that leads to blindness due to the loss of corneal endothelial cells. The project aims to create new animal models that mimic late-onset FECD, which is prevalent in many patients. By understanding the genetic mutations involved, particularly the expansion of (CTG)n repeats in the TCF4 gene, researchers hope to uncover the mechanisms that lead to cell malfunction. This could pave the way for developing new pharmacologic therapies to treat FECD, addressing a significant unmet medical need.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy, potentially reducing the need for corneal transplants.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been significant research on corneal diseases, the development of specific animal models for late-onset FECD is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Oregon
Eugene, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Uehara, Hironori — University of Oregon
- Study coordinator: Uehara, Hironori
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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.