How alpha-crystallin and cholesterol affect cataract development
Official title: Interaction of alpha-crystallin with cholesterol bilayer domains in cataract formation
Funded at Boise State University · NIH-11365902 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant studies how a lens protein interacts with cholesterol in the eye to influence cataract formation, with the goal of understanding why lenses become cloudy as we age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boise State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boise, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2019 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $346,975 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY030067-08 |
| Project ID | NIH-11365902 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults at risk for cataracts or with early lens changes who could benefit from future preventative therapies.
✕Less likely to help
People without lens aging or cataract-related changes may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
The researchers are examining how alpha-crystallin binds to the lens cell membranes and how cholesterol-rich areas may drive this binding, which is linked to cataract development. The work uses advanced techniques to explore protein-membrane interactions in the eye lens and to connect these processes to aging and cloudiness of the lens. By clarifying these mechanisms, the project aims to identify steps that could prevent or reverse cataract changes in humans. The grant builds on previous findings and seeks to translate basic biology into potential future therapies for lens transparency.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could inform new strategies to prevent or slow cataract formation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown links between protein interactions and cataract formation, suggesting this approach could yield meaningful insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Boise State University
Boise, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mainali, Laxman — Boise State University
- Study coordinator: Mainali, Laxman
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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.