Eyelid oil glands and how they change with age and disease
Meibogenesis in Health, Disease, and Aging - Administrative Supplement
This project looks at how the eyelid oil glands make the oily layer that protects the eye and how that process breaks down with aging or gland disease to help people with dry eye.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11281726 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From your perspective, researchers are studying the tiny oil-producing glands in the eyelids that make meibum, the oily tear layer that keeps your eyes comfortable and clear. They will compare glands from mice and human eyelid tissue, measure the exact lipids produced, and study the genes and cell signals that turn oil production on and off. Lab work includes lipid chemistry, cell and tissue analyses, and molecular experiments to find the switches that control oil production. The team aims to identify targets that could be used to restore healthy oil secretion in aging or diseased glands.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with meibomian gland dysfunction or chronic dry eye, and patients undergoing eyelid surgery who can donate eyelid tissue, would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: People whose dry eye is caused mainly by low tear (aqueous) production or who need immediate symptom relief may not see direct benefit from this basic science work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could point to new ways to restore healthy eyelid oil production and reduce dry eye symptoms.
How similar studies have performed: Previous mouse and human tissue studies have reliably mapped meibum lipids and supported mouse models, so this project builds on established methods while exploring new regulatory mechanisms.
Where this research is happening
Dallas, United States
- Ut Southwestern Medical Center — Dallas, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Butovich, Igor a — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Butovich, Igor a
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.