How corneal lens cells form and work
Development and function of corneal lens-secreting cells
Researchers are learning how the cells that build the cornea's lens form and function to better understand cornea-related vision problems like astigmatism and keratoconus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11177068 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You'll hear that the team uses fruit flies (a powerful genetic model) to study the tiny retinal cells that secrete the corneal lens and the extracellular matrix that shapes the cornea. They will map DNA regions controlled by the transcription factor Glass to find other proteins that turn lens genes on or off. The researchers will change the timing of cell differentiation and hormone signals to see how cell identity and lens secretion are set up. Findings will be compared back to genes linked to human corneal disorders to point toward causes of abnormal corneal shape and transparency.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with corneal conditions such as keratoconus, corneal dystrophy, significant astigmatism, or those willing to provide corneal tissue for research would be most relevant to follow or contribute to this work.
Not a fit: People with vision loss mainly from retinal or optic nerve disease, or with age-related refractive changes unrelated to corneal structure, may not directly benefit from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal genes and molecular pathways behind corneal shape and clarity problems and suggest targets for future diagnostics or therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Using fruit flies to study corneal lens secretion is relatively novel; related genetic and enhancer-mapping approaches have successfully advanced understanding in other eye tissues but direct precedents for the corneal lens are limited.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- New York University School of Medicine — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Treisman, Jessica E — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Treisman, Jessica E
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.