How a cornea enzyme controls unwanted blood vessels in the eye
Identification of a new role of membrane‐type 1 matrix metalloproteinases in corneal neovascularization
Researchers are looking at whether the protein MMP-14 affects growth of harmful blood vessels in injured or inflamed corneas to help protect vision.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11238443 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at how MMP-14, a protein on corneal cells, influences growth of unwanted blood vessels after injury or inflammation. Researchers use laboratory models, including genetically modified mice that lack MMP-14 and corneal cell experiments, to see how MMP-14 affects levels of the growth factor receptor FGFR2 and the enzyme ADAM-9. They measure changes in related proteins (like MMP-8, MMP-9, and ADAM-17) after stimulating corneal cells with FGF2 and test whether blocking MMP-14 slows vessel growth. The goal is to map the chain of events so new treatments can target the right molecules to keep the cornea clear.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for eventual trials would be people with corneal neovascularization from severe corneal injury, infection, or chronic inflammation.
Not a fit: People without corneal blood vessel growth, or those whose vision loss comes from unrelated causes, are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this basic laboratory project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new drug targets to prevent or reduce corneal neovascularization and help preserve vision.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier preclinical studies showed that removing or blocking MMP-14 can delay corneal vessel growth in mice, but linking MMP-14 to FGFR2 through ADAM-9 is a novel direction.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, UNITED STATES
- University of Illinois at Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Han, Kyuyeon — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Han, Kyuyeon
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.